Jorge Rodrigo Bava (born 2 August 1981) is a Uruguayan football manager and former player who played as a goalkeeper. He is the current manager of Nacional.

Playing career

After beginning his career with Cerromar in the youth categories, Bava made his senior debut with Progreso in 1998. He joined Peñarol in 2000, but played rarely before moving to Juventud de Las Piedras in the following year.

Bava signed for Nacional in 2002, but featured rarely before joining Bella Vista shortly after. Back to Nacional in the following year, he was a first-choice during the 2005–06 season as the club won the championship.

In 2006, Bava moved abroad and joined Libertad in Paraguay. He moved to Mexican side Atlas on loan in January 2008, but returned to his parent club in November after the club failed to agree new terms.

Bava playing for Nacional in 2012

In January 2010, Rosario Central signed Bava on a two-year contract. On 10 January 2012, he returned to Nacional for a third spell.

In July 2015, after losing his starting spot, Bava agreed to a deal with Liverpool Montevideo. After one season as a starter, he signed for Atletico Bucaramanga in Colombia on 8 July 2016.

On 7 January 2017, Bava signed with Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire to a one-year contract with two one-year options. His contract was terminated by mutual consent on 18 January 2018, and returned to Liverpool shortly after.

In May 2019, Bava confirmed his departure from Liverpool, and returned to Paraguay to join Guaraní. He left the latter on 6 October 2020 due to personal reasons, and returned to Liverpool the following 5 January.

Managerial career

On 15 June 2021, Bava agreed to become manager of his last club Liverpool after a match against Plaza Colonia, with Gustavo Ferrín remaining as an interim. He led the club to their first-ever league title in the 2023 campaign, being also elected Best Manager of the competition.

Bava resigned from Liverpool on 19 December 2023, and returned to Mexico to take over León three days later. Sacked on 1 September 2024, he was appointed at the helm of Independiente Santa Fe on 27 March 2025, but resigned on 24 September.

On 29 September 2025, five days after leaving Santa Fe, Bava was appointed manager of Cerro Porteño in Paraguay. Dismissed the following 19 March, he returned to Nacional three days later, now as manager.

Honours

Player

Nacional

Libertad

Manager

Liverpool Montevideo

Santa Fe

Cerro Porteño

External links

  • – Liga MX stats at MedioTiempo.com (archived) (in Spanish)