Gabriel Heinze, the former Argentina international known for breaking Nigerian hearts at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has officially joined the Arsenal first-team coaching setup.

The Premier League giants confirmed the appointment via their official website, naming Heinze as a new addition to Mikel Arteta’s backroom team. He replaces Carlos Cuesta, who recently departed to take up a role at Serie B side Parma.

Heinze famously scored the only goal in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their World Cup opener in South Africa. Rising unmarked just five minutes into the match, he met Juan Verón’s corner with a thunderous header, beating Chidi Odiah’s effort to clear off the line and sealing all three points for La Albiceleste.

The 46-year-old is no stranger to English football, having enjoyed a three-year stint at Manchester United from 2004 to 2007. He also has close ties with Arteta, with whom he played at Paris Saint-Germain during the 2001–02 season.

Heinze’s football journey also intertwined with Nigerian stars — he shared the PSG pitch with Austin Jay-Jay Okocha in 28 matches and later lined up alongside Taye Taiwo at Olympique Marseille in the late 2000s.

Having last managed Newell’s Old Boys before stepping down in December 2023, Heinze now embarks on a new chapter in North London, adding South American grit and defensive expertise to Arteta’s technical staff.