Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Didier Dechamps

The 13 Highest-Paid National Team Coaches in World Football

October 16, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

When it comes to international football, the men on the sidelines can be just as crucial as the stars on the field. Managing a national team is one of the sport’s most prestigious yet demanding roles — one that requires tactical brilliance, leadership, and the ability to unite an entire country. With global tournaments like the World Cup and continental championships on the horizon, here are the 13 highest-paid international managers in the world for 2025.

13. Hajime Moriyasu – £871,620 per year

Japan’s long-serving boss earns around €1 million per year, making him the lowest-paid manager on this list. Since taking charge in 2018, Moriyasu has guided Japan to major victories over global powerhouses like Germany and Spain. His tactical discipline and calm leadership have turned Japan into a consistent World Cup force.

12. Luis de la Fuente – £1.74 million per year

Spain’s Euro 2024-winning coach surprisingly earns only around €2 million per year. Since taking over in early 2023, he’s revitalized La Roja with a dynamic, youthful squad featuring Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Two titles in two years – the Nations League and the Euros – have firmly established his status among Europe’s elite.

11. Gustavo Alfaro – £2.18 million per year

Paraguay’s Gustavo Alfaro earns approximately €2.5 million per year after being appointed in 2024. Known for his experience across South America, he’s already guided the team to qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The veteran coach is now tasked with transforming Paraguay from a gritty outsider into a genuine contender.

10. Ronald Koeman – £2.61 million per year

Photo: Piotr Piatrouski / Shutterstock.com

Earning about €3 million per year, Ronald Koeman has had a mixed tenure with the Netherlands. A Dutch football legend both as a player and a coach, he’s managed 19 wins in 34 matches. With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo at his disposal, fans expect more from the Oranje heading into the next major tournament.

9. Marcelo Bielsa – £2.61 million per year

Uruguay’s fiery tactician takes home roughly €3 million per year. The 70-year-old Bielsa, famous for his innovative style and intensity, has reignited Uruguay since taking over in 2023. Under his guidance, La Celeste have developed into one of South America’s most unpredictable and exciting national teams.

8. Lionel Scaloni – £2.61 million per year

Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager earns around €3 million per year — a modest figure considering his achievements. Scaloni masterminded Argentina’s triumph in Qatar and has since added more silverware to his collection. Loved for his humility and leadership, he continues to bring out the best in Lionel Messi’s final years on the international stage.

7. Didier Deschamps – £3.31 million per year

France’s long-serving coach earns about €3.9 million per year after more than a decade at the helm. Deschamps led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup title and several deep tournament runs since. Despite falling short at Euro 2024, his ability to manage egos in a star-filled squad remains unmatched.

6. Roberto Martínez – £3.5 million per year

Roberto Martinez — By Кирилл Венедиктов - https://www.soccer.ru/galery/1055768/photo/734071, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70337336

Portugal’s manager, earning around €4.1 million per year, has found success quickly since taking charge in 2023. The former Belgium and Everton boss has guided Portugal to an impressive run, winning 26 of his 34 games. With Cristiano Ronaldo still in the fold, Martínez’s challenge is to balance youth and experience on the world stage.

5. Fabio Cannavaro – £3.5 million per year

Former Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro earns €4.1 million per year as the coach of Uzbekistan — one of the most surprising entries on this list. Appointed in 2025, the Italian icon is bringing discipline and world-class experience to a developing football nation. His appointment marks a bold move for both coach and country.

4. Julian Nagelsmann – £4.2 million per year

At just 38, Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann earns €4.9 million per year and is among the sport’s brightest minds. He was tasked with reviving Die Mannschaft after a difficult few years. With talents like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz emerging, Nagelsmann’s innovative approach could soon deliver Germany another major title.

3. Mauricio Pochettino – £4.53 million per year

Earning around €5.3 million per year, Mauricio Pochettino is now leading the United States men’s national team. After spells with Chelsea and Tottenham, he’s taking on a new challenge ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His blend of passion and tactical intelligence could elevate the USMNT to unprecedented heights.

2. Thomas Tuchel – £5.06 million per year

England’s Thomas Tuchel, one of the world’s most respected managers, earns nearly €5.9 million per year. Appointed after Gareth Southgate’s departure, Tuchel has quickly impressed with England’s sharp, attacking football. With seven wins from his first eight games, he’s already brought optimism to the Three Lions’ fanbase.

1. Carlo Ancelotti – £8.28 million per year

At the top sits Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of Brazil and earning an incredible €9.6 million per year. The legendary Italian has won it all in club football and now seeks to bring the Seleção back to glory. Calm, experienced, and universally respected, Ancelotti’s appointment reflects Brazil’s ambition to dominate once again.