The 20 Best Football Managers in the World Right Now
From tactical masterminds rewriting the game to veteran leaders who keep stacking trophies, football is blessed with an incredible array of top-class managers. As the 2024/25 season wraps up, these coaches stand out not just for the silverware they've claimed, but for how they've built clubs and national teams into formidable forces.
This list breaks down the 20 best managers in world football today. We’ve considered recent trophies, consistency, how they’ve exceeded expectations, and the sheer imprint they've left on their teams. Starting with number 20 and counting all the way down to number 1, here's where the very best in the business stand right now.
20. Luciano Spalletti
Luciano Spalletti may currently be out of a job after parting ways with Italy, but few doubt his tactical quality. Having won Serie A with Napoli and managed giants like Inter, he’s certain to find another top role soon.
19. Nuno Espirito Santo
Nuno Espirito Santo has turned Nottingham Forest into a side to fear, guiding them to their best finish in three decades and back into Europe. His calm authority and organized style earned him a new long-term contract.
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18. Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe transformed Newcastle United, ending a 70-year major trophy drought by lifting the FA Cup and steering them into European nights once again. His sharp tactics and player development have made him a hero on Tyneside.
17. Gian Piero Gasperini
After years of impressive, attacking football with Atalanta, Gian Piero Gasperini finally got his hands on a major trophy by winning the Europa League. Now at Roma, he’s proving that success can come even late in a career.
16. Luis de la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente revived Spain’s dominance by winning Euro 2024, with his side famously winning all seven matches. Under his guidance, Spain looks ready for another golden era built on youth and technical brilliance.
15. Julian Nagelsmann
Despite disappointment as Euro 2024 hosts, Julian Nagelsmann remains one of the game’s most promising innovators. At 37, he’s shaping Germany’s new generation with daring tactics and unshakeable belief in young talent.
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14. Thomas Tuchel
After leaving Bayern, Thomas Tuchel took charge of England and has already impressed with back-to-back victories. Known for his Champions League pedigree, he might finally bring football’s most sought-after trophy back to England.
13. Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps is a proven winner, having lifted the World Cup both as player and coach. Though France fell in the Euro 2024 semifinals, his steady leadership ensures they always remain among the top favorites.
12. Lionel Scaloni
Lionel Scaloni guided Argentina to a storybook World Cup win for Messi in 2022, followed by Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. His balanced squad management has turned Argentina into relentless competitors again.
11. Unai Emery
Unai Emery transformed Aston Villa from mid-table hopefuls to Champions League qualifiers. His shrewd tactics and ability to elevate players like Watkins and McGinn have revitalized the club and showcased his elite credentials.
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10. Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has rebuilt Arsenal into regular title challengers and took them to a Champions League semifinal. While the big trophies still await, his philosophy and standards have given fans real hope for the future.
9. Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone continues to keep Atlético Madrid firmly among Europe’s elite with his rock-solid, hard-to-break style. As the highest-paid manager in world football, he remains the ultimate competitor in the Spanish capital.
8. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso stunned Germany by guiding Bayer Leverkusen to break Bayern’s dominance, then moved to Real Madrid. Combining tactical elegance with fierce competitiveness, he’s already hailed as the best young coach in world football.
7. Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte restored his reputation by winning the Scudetto with Napoli in 2024/25, proving once more that his defensive discipline translates into league titles wherever he goes.
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6. Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick recovered from a rough spell with Germany by taking Barcelona to an incredible domestic treble. His first season saw them lift La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Super Cup, returning Barça’s attacking sparkle.
5. Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti capped his Real Madrid tenure with a league and Champions League double before taking on Brazil. With domestic titles across four of Europe’s top five leagues and unrivaled Champions League success, he remains the master of calm authority.
4. Simone Inzaghi
Simone Inzaghi led Inter to Serie A glory and two Champions League finals before surprising many by joining Al-Hilal, where he’s already knocked out Man City in the Club World Cup. His tactical acumen keeps him among the very best.
3. Arne Slot
Replacing Klopp was a daunting task, but Arne Slot has made a record-breaking start at Liverpool, driving them straight to the top of the Premier League. His energetic, attacking football has reignited Anfield.
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2. Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique somehow made PSG better after losing Mbappé, guiding them to Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and their first ever Champions League title for a historic treble. His fearless style and adaptability have brought Paris to a new level.
1. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola remains the gold standard of management, having secured an English-record four straight Premier League titles with Manchester City. With 39 trophies overall, his relentless pursuit of perfection keeps City at the top of world football.
