Footballers go on different journeys at the end of their playing careers, with some going on to become coaches and others taking up a more managerial role, such as becoming directors or even agents.
There must surely never have been an individual who went from an elite-level footballer to a kit-man at the end of his playing career.
Well, that is what Erik Lamela has done, at least on paper, at this point in his journey.
The former Argentina international has been registered as a kit-man at Mexican club CF Monterrey in a bid to take advantage of a loophole in the Liga MX rule books.
Monterrey Register Erik Lamela as a Kitman
Mexican outfit CF Monterrey have pulled off a bizarre move by registering former Tottenham Hotspur star Erik Lamela as a kit-man on the club's staff.
The 34-year-old, who ended his playing career as a result of a chronic hip injury in 2025, was employed by Monterrey as part of the backroom staff of coach Matias Almeyda, specifically as his assistant coach.
Lamela lacks the UEFA Pro License required to officially work as a coach under Mexican Federation rules and was ineligible to be in the dugout on matchday, as a result.
To address the situation, Monterrey have registered him as a kit-man, legally manoeuvring past the roadblock and allowing Lamela to be present on the bench on matchdays.
How The Liga MX Loophole Works
Monterrey have acted very smartly to bypass laws preventing Lamela from functioning as a first-team coach by naming him as a kit-man.
With this designation, the 2021 Puskas Award winner will be granted total and unrestricted access to the dressing rooms, dugout, and pitch side during games like a normal kit-man would.
The workaround enables Lamela to provide his tactical expertise and insights from his rightful position as Almeyda's right-hand man, while he continues to work on his badges on the side.
While the kit-man designation is innovative in itself, the idea is commonly used by teams all over the world.
Carlos Tevez, for example, could not be listed as head coach early in his coaching career with Rosario Central in Argentina due to his lack of qualifications to coach a team.
Similarly, clubs in Nigeria often designate their coaches as Technical Directors to allow them to be present in the dugout in the CAF Champions League when they do not possess CAF-specific licenses, which are required to coach in the competition.
Lamela moved straight into Matias Almeyda's staff after he retired following a spell playing for AEK Athens in 2025.
The pair first crossed paths in 2011, when Lamela was a player for River Plate while Almeyda coached the club.
Lamela played under Almeyda again in Greece before deciding to become his assistant at Sevilla in the 2025-26 season.
What Young Footballers Can Learn From Erik Lamela's Journey
Young footballers must understand the importance of building solid relationships with their coaches, especially seeing as a good percentage of footballers turn to coaching at the end of their playing career.
A coach with whom you have a good relationship is likely to take a chance on you as a greenhorn in coaching and show you the ropes before you learn to stand on your own.
Also, young footballers must exhibit an innate understanding of tactics and sharpen their football IQ early.
Having these characteristics puts them at an automatic advantage and gives them an edge when the time comes to become coaches.
Finally, young footballers must listen to their bodies and understand when to stop in order to prevent lasting damage from injuries.
Lamela was only 33 years old when he chose to end his career as a result of injuries, and he has since moved into a different phase of life.
