Ranking the Best Managers Every Year Since 2000
Every football season brings new stories, new champions, and a manager who rises above the rest. Since 2000, the touchline has been home to some of the most brilliant minds in the sport—leaders who have defined eras, reinvented tactics, and delivered historic success.
In this article, we rank the best manager of each year from 2000 to 2024—one name per season, based on impact, silverware, and legacy.
25. 2000 – Carlos Bianchi (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Carlos Bianchi led Boca Juniors to a dominant year in South American football, winning the Copa Libertadores. His tactical clarity and man-management made Boca nearly unbeatable on the continent.
24. 2001 – Ottmar Hitzfeld (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Hitzfeld guided Bayern Munich to Champions League glory, beating Valencia in a dramatic final. His experience and calm presence helped the Bavarians return to European prominence.
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23. 2002 – Vicente del Bosque (Real Madrid, Spain)
Del Bosque’s Real Madrid dazzled in Europe, winning the Champions League with a star-studded squad. His ability to balance egos and keep the Galácticos focused was key.
22. 2003 – Carlos Bianchi (Boca Juniors, Argentina)
Back for another Libertadores title, Bianchi once again proved his mastery in knockout football. His Boca team combined grit, experience, and Argentine flair.
21. 2004 – José Mourinho (FC Porto, Portugal)
Mourinho shocked the world by leading FC Porto to a sensational Champions League title. His tactical genius and confidence marked the beginning of a managerial era.
20. 2005 – José Mourinho (Chelsea FC, Portugal)
In his first season in England, Mourinho transformed Chelsea into Premier League champions. His team’s discipline and defensive strength set new domestic standards.
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19. 2006 – Frank Rijkaard (FC Barcelona, Netherlands)
Rijkaard’s Barcelona played beautiful, attacking football and captured the Champions League. He helped shape Ronaldinho’s peak years and established Barça as Europe’s entertainers.
18. 2007 – Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan, Italy)
Ancelotti gained redemption for Milan’s 2005 heartbreak, winning the Champions League in 2007. His tactical flexibility and leadership earned him massive respect.
17. 2008 – Alex Ferguson (Manchester United, Scotland)
Ferguson’s United completed a Premier League and Champions League double, beating Chelsea in a dramatic final. He reinvented his squad with brilliance yet again.
16. 2009 – Pep Guardiola (FC Barcelona, Spain)
In his debut season, Guardiola led Barça to an unprecedented treble. His tiki-taka philosophy stunned Europe and launched a golden era in Catalonia.
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15. 2010 – José Mourinho (Inter Milan, Portugal)
Mourinho won the treble with Inter Milan, including the Champions League. His tactical masterclass against Barcelona and Bayern showed his supreme game management.
14. 2011 – Pep Guardiola (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Barcelona reached even greater heights under Guardiola, lifting another Champions League title. Their 3-1 win over Manchester United was a footballing masterclass.
13. 2012 – José Mourinho (Real Madrid, Portugal)
Mourinho’s Madrid broke La Liga records with 100 points and 121 goals. He ended Barcelona’s domestic dominance with an electrifying, ruthless counter-attacking team.
12. 2013 – Jupp Heynckes (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Heynckes delivered a historic treble for Bayern Munich, including a dominant Champions League campaign. His side was disciplined, clinical, and tactically flawless.
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11. 2014 – Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid, Italy)
Ancelotti led Real Madrid to their long-awaited 10th Champions League title, “La Décima.” His calm demeanor and clear strategy helped unlock the team’s full potential.
10. 2015 – Luis Enrique (FC Barcelona, Spain)
Luis Enrique masterminded another Barça treble with Messi, Neymar, and Suárez up front. His balance between flair and structure created one of the most feared attacks ever.
9. 2016 – Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid, Argentina)
Though they lost the Champions League final, Simeone’s gritty Atlético stunned Europe by knocking out Barcelona and Bayern. His defensive discipline earned global respect.
8. 2017 – Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid, France)
Zidane became the first manager to win back-to-back Champions League titles since the format’s inception. His cool approach and trust in big players paid off handsomely.
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7. 2018 – Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid, France)
A historic third consecutive Champions League win cemented Zidane’s legend. He maintained focus and belief in his players during an era of immense pressure.
6. 2019 – Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool FC, Germany)
Klopp’s Liverpool claimed the Champions League and played thrilling, high-octane football. His emotional leadership and tactical pressing game made them elite.
5. 2020 – Hansi Flick (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Flick led Bayern to a sextuple, winning every trophy possible in a single year. His aggressive, modern style revitalized the German giants.
4. 2021 – Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea FC, Germany)
Tuchel took over midseason and led Chelsea to Champions League glory. His defensive structure and adaptability were unmatched during the run.
3. 2022 – Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid, Italy)
Ancelotti returned to Madrid and won both La Liga and the Champions League. His calm authority and ability to get the best from veterans and youngsters stood out.
2. 2023 – Pep Guardiola (Manchester City, Spain)
Guardiola completed a historic treble with Manchester City, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. His positional play and relentless tactical evolution solidified City as Europe’s most dominant force.
1. 2024 – Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid, Italy)
Ancelotti capped another dominant year with more silverware for Real Madrid. With four appearances on this list, his legacy as one of football’s greatest minds is undeniable.
