Hansi Flick, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel

The 20 best football managers in the world right now – ranked from 20 to 1

October 23, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The landscape of football management is constantly shifting, and the 2025/26 season has already given us a fresh look at who’s truly delivering at the highest level. From seasoned winners to rising tacticians, these 20 coaches are setting the standard in the modern game – ranked from 20 to 1 based on success, expectations, longevity, and recent form.

20. Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most admired coaches, known for his calm leadership and tactical intelligence. After lifting the FA Cup and Community Shield with Crystal Palace, he’s building a reputation for punching well above his weight.

19. Eddie Howe – Newcastle United

Eddie Howe brought Champions League football back to Tyneside and ended a 70-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup. Despite a challenging start to 2025/26, his impressive rebuild at Newcastle continues to earn him respect.

18. Gian Piero Gasperini – AS Roma

After years of steady work, Gasperini finally tasted major success with Atalanta by winning the Europa League. Now at Roma, he’s revitalised the club and has them pushing for the Serie A title.

17. Julian Nagelsmann – Germany

Julian Nagelsmann didn’t win Euro 2024, but his innovative approach has kept Germany optimistic for the future. With a young, talented squad, he’s laying the groundwork for a potential major tournament breakthrough.

16. Unai Emery – Aston Villa

Unai Emery’s Champions League qualification with Aston Villa was a huge statement, reaffirming his status as one of Europe's best tacticians. Even with PSR challenges this season, his tactical nous remains evident.

15. Enzo Maresca – Chelsea

Enzo Maresca defied expectations at Chelsea, guiding them to fourth place and winning both the Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. His tactical clarity and adaptability have made him an early success story at Stamford Bridge.

14. Thomas Tuchel – England

Despite a tough end at Bayern Munich, Tuchel’s European pedigree remains unquestionable. Now leading England, he’s started strong and has already sparked hope of ending the nation's trophy drought.

13. Luis de la Fuente – Spain

Luis de la Fuente masterminded Spain’s flawless Euro 2024 run, winning all seven games to lift the trophy. With a young, hungry squad, Spain looks primed to dominate under his leadership.

12. Didier Deschamps – France

Deschamps has built a legacy with France, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final. While Euro 2024 fell short of expectations, France remain contenders under his steady hand.

11. Lionel Scaloni – Argentina

Lionel Scaloni delivered World Cup and back-to-back Copa America glory for Argentina, restoring the nation’s place at the top. His calm presence and tactical flexibility continue to drive success.

10. Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid

Simeone remains one of the game’s most consistent managers, blending discipline with results. With another Champions League qualification and the highest salary in world football, he’s still a giant in the game.

9. Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti’s move to Brazil marks a new chapter after a legendary run at Real Madrid. With five Champions League titles and domestic dominance across four major leagues, he’s one of football’s most decorated figures.

8. Simone Inzaghi – Al-Hilal

Simone Inzaghi led Inter Milan to a Serie A title and back-to-back Champions League finals, before moving to Al-Hilal. He’s proving his quality on a global stage, even toppling Man City in the Club World Cup.

7. Antonio Conte – Napoli

Conte’s redemption story continues at Napoli, where he secured the Scudetto and added major signings to chase more silverware. His fierce, organised style has returned to Serie A with great effect.

6. Xabi Alonso – Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso’s success at Bayer Leverkusen, including a Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double, made him Europe’s hottest young coach. Now at Real Madrid, expectations are sky-high as he begins his dream job.

5. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into Premier League contenders, even if silverware remains elusive. His tactical identity and squad development have kept the Gunners in the title race season after season.

4. Arne Slot – Liverpool

Taking over from Jurgen Klopp was a monumental challenge, but Arne Slot has made a lightning start at Liverpool. Despite a recent dip, his early results and bold style have energised the club.

3. Hansi Flick – Barcelona

Hansi Flick has bounced back from his Germany spell by delivering a domestic treble in his debut Barcelona season. His high-tempo, attacking football has returned the swagger to the Camp Nou.

2. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City

Though City faltered in 2024/25, Guardiola’s legacy remains unmatched with four consecutive Premier League titles and a European treble. A recent resurgence shows he’s far from finished.

1. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain

Luis Enrique has reinvented PSG in the post-Mbappe era, guiding them to a historic treble that includes their long-awaited first Champions League title. In 2025, no manager is performing at his level.