John Buttigieg Former Maltese footballer Date of Birth: 05.10.1963 Country: Malta

1. Early Life and Club Career
2. International Career
3. Coaching Career

Early Life and Club Career

John Buttigieg began his football career with Sliema Wanderers, a Maltese club. He later transferred to Brentford in England, seeking to broaden his footballing horizons. In 1990, Buttigieg embarked on a short loan spell at Second Division side Swindon Town, where he made three appearances. After his time in England, he returned to his home country and joined Floriana. Buttigieg eventually concluded his playing days at Valletta, leaving an indelible mark on Maltese football.

International Career

Buttigieg was a stalwart for the Maltese national team, amassing 97 caps over his illustrious career. His debut came against Sweden on May 23, 1984, in a match that ended in a disappointing 4-0 defeat. His final international outing was a friendly against England on May 3, 2000, where Malta narrowly lost 1-2. Buttigieg's contributions to the national team were significant, and he has etched his name into the annals of Maltese football history.

Coaching Career

After retiring from playing, Buttigieg transitioned into coaching and took the reins at Birkirkara in 2007. He guided the team until 2009, leading them to their first Maltese Cup triumph in 2008. In 2009, he signed a five-year deal with the Malta Football Association, assuming the role of national team manager.