The Bundesliga is not only home to some of the world’s top players but also highly paid managers. Here’s a look at the best-paid coaches in Germany’s top flight, ranked from the lowest to the highest earner.
18. Marcel Rapp – £340,000 per year
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Marcel Rapp leads Holstein Kiel after a solid spell in the 2. Bundesliga. His modest salary reflects Kiel’s status as one of the smaller clubs in the league.
17. Zsolt Löw – £510,000 per year
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Currently serving as RB Leipzig’s interim manager, Zsolt Löw transitioned from assistant coach to caretaker following Marco Rose’s departure.
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Alexander Blessin manages FC St. Pauli and brings an energetic, high-pressing style. His salary mirrors the club’s ambitions to survive and establish itself in the Bundesliga.
15. Frank Schmidt – £637,500 per year
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Longtime Heidenheim boss Frank Schmidt is a cult figure, having led the club through multiple promotions. His loyalty is rewarded modestly compared to bigger names.
14. Dieter Hecking – £850,000 per year
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Veteran coach Dieter Hecking took over at VfL Bochum to provide much-needed stability. His experience across several Bundesliga clubs justifies his respectable earnings.
13. Julian Schuster – £1,275,000 per year
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Julian Schuster, a former Freiburg captain, is now steering SC Freiburg. His familiarity with the club’s culture makes him a natural fit for their long-term project.
12. Christian Ilzer – £2,040,000 per year
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After successful years in Austria, Christian Ilzer joined Hoffenheim in late 2024. His attractive, attacking football philosophy has earned him a significant paycheck.
11. Bo Henriksen – £2,125,000 per year
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The charismatic Danish manager Bo Henriksen took over at Mainz 05 with a mission to energize the team. His aggressive pressing game has made Mainz tough to beat.
10. Steffen Baumgart – £2,125,000 per year
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Steffen Baumgart brought his passionate touchline energy to Union Berlin. His challenge is to restore Union’s fighting spirit after a turbulent period.
9. Ole Werner – £2,295,000 per year
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Ole Werner has kept Werder Bremen competitive despite budget constraints. His pragmatic, possession-based style has stabilized the club since their return to the Bundesliga.
8. Gerardo Seoane – £2,550,000 per year
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At Borussia Mönchengladbach, Gerardo Seoane continues to promote a dynamic, attacking brand of football. He’s tasked with returning Gladbach to European competitions.
7. Jess Thorup – £2,550,000 per year
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Jess Thorup, known for developing young talent, leads FC Augsburg. His progressive football philosophy aligns well with Augsburg’s long-term vision.
6. Ralph Hasenhüttl – £2,975,000 per year
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Ralph Hasenhüttl is back in the Bundesliga with VfL Wolfsburg. His trademark high-pressing style and Premier League experience make him one of the better-paid managers.
5. Niko Kovač – £2,975,000 per year
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Now at Borussia Dortmund, Niko Kovač is expected to instill discipline and defensive solidity. His proven track record, including a Bundesliga title with Bayern, speaks for itself.
4. Dino Toppmöller – £3,400,000 per year
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Dino Toppmöller continues to grow as a head coach after assisting Julian Nagelsmann at Bayern. Now at Eintracht Frankfurt, he commands a strong salary for his tactical expertise.
3. Sebastian Hoeneß – £3,825,000 per year
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Sebastian Hoeneß has earned praise for his composed, possession-focused approach at Stuttgart. With the club’s resurgence, his rising salary reflects his growing reputation.
2. Xabi Alonso – £5,950,000 per year
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The former Spanish midfield maestro has transformed Bayer Leverkusen with an elegant, ball-dominant style. Alonso’s success has made him one of Germany’s highest-paid coaches.
1. Vincent Kompany – £7,650,000 per year
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Leading the list is Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich. The former Manchester City captain is seen as the future of coaching and commands a record-breaking salary for his services.
