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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
