Chris Gunter has been appointed the Cymru MU19s head coach for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, leading the team for the UEFA U19 EURO finals taking place in north Wales this summer.
A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Gunter brings a wealth of international experience to the role following an outstanding 15-year playing career with Cymru, during which he won 109 senior caps.
Gunter was a central part of Chris Coleman’s side that captured the imagination of the nation by reaching the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2016. He played every minute of all six matches at the tournament, memorably delivering the pinpoint cross for Sam Vokes’ header in the famous 3-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.
The former defender made his senior debut for Cymru in 2007 at just 17 years of age and went on to represent his country at three major tournaments, whilst becoming the first men’s player to reach 100 caps for Cymru.
Following his retirement in March 2023, Gunter joined the Men’s National Team coaching staff, when Cymru narrowly missed out on a place in the UEFA EURO 2024 finals. During that time Gunter also supported the integration and development of emerging talent within the senior international environment.
Gunter was appointed Cymru MU19 head coach in August 2024 before later taking charge of the MU17 squad. A product of the Cymru age-group system himself, Gunter previously represented the nation at MU17, MU19 and U21 levels. He will now lead Cymru MU19 into the UEFA U19 EURO Finals this summer, which will be hosted in the north – a landmark event for Welsh football.
Gunter will take charge of the side for the March FIFA international window and at the final’s tournament this summer. He will also continue his role as Head Coach of the MU17 squad as they prepare for their UEFA U17 EURO Group B qualifiers in San Marino in April.
Speaking about his appointment, Gunter said: ”I’m really pleased to be leading this group into the finals tournament. I’ve worked with a lot of the group before and knowing how good they can be gives me huge excitement.
“Anytime you represent your country it’s a huge honour, and to be doing that in a EURO finals is going to be special for everybody involved.
“Hosting the tournament shows where Welsh football is at and the work that’s gone into it. With the amazing support we will have in June, I cannot wait to see the players perform at the highest level.”
FAW Chief Football Officer Dr. David Adams added: “Hosting a finals tournament with a group of talented players is highly advantageous to develop future Cymru internationals, as highlighted when we qualified with our MU17 squads in 2022 and 2023.
“Chris has demonstrated during his time with us to have the ability to create a thriving environment, while also leading and developing talented players. We are confident this tournament will be a success and leave a lasting legacy for Welsh Football.”
