The 15 Greatest Football Managers of the 21st Century – Ranked

June 19, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

From tactical masterminds to charismatic leaders, the 21st century has given football some of its most iconic managers. Here’s a countdown of the top 15 managers who have left a lasting legacy since the year 2000.

15. Didier Deschamps

Deschamps guided France to World Cup glory in 2018, becoming only the third man to win the trophy as both player and coach. He also led Les Bleus to a Nations League title and two major finals, reviving the French national team after the 2010 debacle.

14. Lionel Scaloni

Scaloni delivered Argentina its long-awaited World Cup in 2022 and back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. His ability to rebuild a fragmented team and help Messi complete his legacy secured his place in football history.

13. Roberto Mancini

Mancini's crowning achievement came at Euro 2020, where he led Italy to an unexpected triumph. A serial winner at club level, he also broke Manchester City’s title drought in 2012 and won multiple league titles in Italy.

12. Unai Emery

No one has lifted more Europa League trophies than Emery, who has four to his name. Known for elevating underdog teams, his recent success with Aston Villa proves he remains a force in European football.

11. Arsène Wenger

Arsene Wenger — Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

Wenger modernized English football and led Arsenal through an unbeaten league season in 2003/04. His innovative approach to training, nutrition, and scouting changed the game forever.

10. Antonio Conte

Conte dominated Serie A with Juventus and Inter, then captured the Premier League with Chelsea in his first season. His fiery passion and tactical discipline have made him one of the most successful domestic managers of the era.

9. Diego Simeone

Simeone transformed Atlético Madrid from a mid-table club into a European powerhouse. With two La Liga titles and relentless consistency, his defensive brilliance and intensity have become legendary.

8. Zinedine Zidane

Zidane shocked the football world by winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid. Despite a short managerial career, his win ratio and calm authority set him apart.

7. Luis Enrique

Enrique led Barcelona to a historic treble in 2015 and later brought Champions League success to PSG. His fluid, attacking football and ability to manage egos have made him one of the modern game's top tacticians.

6. Vicente del Bosque

Del Bosque is the only manager to win the World Cup, European Championship, and multiple Champions League titles. Under his leadership, Spain became the most dominant national team in history.

5. Jürgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp celebrates with his players — MDI / Shutterstock.com

Klopp revived Borussia Dortmund and later brought Liverpool back to the summit of European and English football. With his high-intensity style and infectious energy, he redefined what it means to be a modern manager.

4. José Mourinho

Jose Mourinho — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

The “Special One” stormed onto the scene with Porto’s 2004 Champions League triumph and never looked back. Known for his defensive structure and big-game mentality, Mourinho has won major titles in four different countries.

3. Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti is the only manager to win league titles in all five major European leagues and holds a record five Champions League trophies. His calm leadership and adaptability have stood the test of time.

2. Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson won eight Premier League titles and a Champions League after 2000, continuing his legacy as one of the most dominant figures in football. Since his retirement, Manchester United’s decline has only highlighted his greatness.

1. Pep Guardiola

Guardiola revolutionized modern football with his tiki-taka philosophy at Barcelona and continued his dominance at Bayern Munich and Manchester City. With three Champions League titles and six Premier Leagues, he’s a tactical genius and serial winner.