The 20 Highest-Paid Football Managers in the World (2025) – Ranked

July 4, 2025 Oliver Obel

In modern football, it's not just the players earning eye-watering salaries—top managers are also cashing in on the global game’s financial explosion. With clubs and national teams desperate for success, these tacticians are rewarded handsomely for their leadership, vision, and ability to deliver results on the pitch. Here is a ranked list of the world’s highest-paid football managers in 2025, starting from number 20.

20. Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace (£4.6m)

When Crystal Palace appointed Oliver Glasner, expectations were high due to his impressive stint with Eintracht Frankfurt. He rewarded their faith by winning the FA Cup—Palace’s first major trophy—justifying every penny of his £4.6m salary.

19. Thomas Frank – Brentford (£4.6m)

Thomas Frank has become a cult figure at Brentford after leading the club to Premier League stability and even European contention. With his tactical expertise and leadership, Brentford finishing 10th in 2024/25 made his wage look like a bargain.

18. Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur (£5.2m)

Coaching Tottenham is never easy, but Ange Postecoglou managed to deliver silverware in his second season by winning the Europa League. Despite speculation about his future, his £5.2m salary reflects Spurs’ belief in his bold project.

17. Thomas Tuchel – England (£6m)

With Gareth Southgate stepping down, England turned to serial winner Thomas Tuchel. The former Chelsea and Bayern boss brings vast experience and is tasked with ending the country’s long wait for international glory.

16. Arne Slot – Liverpool (£6.4m)

Replacing Jurgen Klopp was never going to be simple, but Arne Slot exceeded expectations by guiding Liverpool to a league title. The Dutch tactician’s calm demeanor and tactical clarity earned him a place among the elite.

15. Rúben Amorim – Manchester United (£6.7m)

After a disastrous season under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United handed the reins to Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese manager is seen as a long-term project, with early transfer activity already signalling a major rebuild.

14. Xabi Alonso – Real Madrid (£6.7m)

Xabi Alonso’s incredible success with Bayer Leverkusen led him to the Bernabéu. Tasked with returning Real Madrid to European dominance, his £6.7m salary reflects the high expectations placed on him.

13. Vincent Kompany – Bayern Munich (£7.8m)

Despite being a surprise appointment, Vincent Kompany silenced critics by winning the Bundesliga in his first season. His bold move from Burnley to Bayern came with a lucrative contract and immediate success.

12. Laurent Blanc – Al-Ittihad (£8.3m)

After an underwhelming spell at Lyon, Laurent Blanc was handed a new opportunity in Saudi Arabia. Al-Ittihad rewarded him handsomely, and the former World Cup winner is now aiming to topple rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.

11. Unai Emery – Aston Villa (£8.3m)

Unai Emery has turned Aston Villa into a formidable European force. With a Champions League quarter-final run and domestic consistency, his £8.3m salary is a deserved reward for his transformation of the Midlands club.

10. Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil (£8.4m)

The legendary Italian manager left Real Madrid to take over Brazil’s national team. Though his salary is modest by elite standards, it could double with bonuses if he delivers World Cup glory.

9. José Mourinho – Fenerbahçe (£9.2m)

The 'Special One' returned to the spotlight with a blockbuster move to Fenerbahçe. Mourinho’s charisma and track record continue to command high wages, even if his best tactical days may be behind him.

8. Matthias Jaissle – Al-Ahli (£9.6m)

Young German coach Matthias Jaissle is thriving in Saudi Arabia after a turbulent end to his time with Salzburg. He guided Al-Ahli to Asian Champions League qualification and is seen as a long-term asset.

7. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain (£9.6m)

After initial setbacks, Luis Enrique delivered a historic treble at PSG, including their first-ever Champions League triumph. His £9.6m salary now looks like a bargain for one of the most decorated modern coaches.

6. David Moyes – Everton (£12.5m)

In a dramatic return to Goodison Park, David Moyes rescued Everton from relegation. His wealth of experience proved invaluable, and the Toffees rewarded him with one of the biggest paychecks in England.

5. Stefano Pioli – Al-Nassr (£15.5m)

After departing AC Milan, Stefano Pioli landed a massive deal with Saudi giants Al-Nassr. Managing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, he’s now tasked with turning ambition into silverware.

4. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal (£15.6m)

Arteta has revitalised Arsenal with attacking football and youthful energy. His new deal reflects both recent success and faith that he can finally deliver long-awaited trophies.

3. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City (£20m)

Even after years of dominance, Guardiola remains one of the most sought-after minds in football. A rocky 2024/25 by his standards didn’t stop City from backing him with another enormous contract.

2. Simone Inzaghi – Al-Hilal (£21.8m)

After Serie A and Champions League success with Inter, Inzaghi took a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal. His £21.8m wage underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in world football.

1. Diego Simeone – Atlético Madrid (£25.9m)

Still at the top, Diego Simeone remains the highest-paid manager on the planet. Despite tough seasons and pressure, his loyalty and tactical brilliance continue to be rewarded in Madrid.