Carlo Ancelotti, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola

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

September 10, 2025 Oliver Obel

In the modern football era, it's not just the players who are raking in jaw-dropping salaries—managers, too, are earning figures that would once have been unthinkable. With Saudi clubs reshaping the financial landscape and elite European sides continuing to invest in coaching excellence, the world’s top tacticians are reaping the rewards of the sport’s money boom. Here are the 20 highest-paid football managers in the world in 2025, starting from number 20 and working our way to the top.

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

Crystal Palace made a bold move by appointing Oliver Glasner on a £4.6 million-per-year deal. It paid off in spectacular fashion, as the Austrian delivered the club's first-ever major trophy by winning the FA Cup.

19. Thomas Frank (Brentford) – £4.6m

Thomas Frank has built a stable Premier League side out of Brentford and even took them to the edge of European qualification in 2023. His leadership and results have made his salary well-deserved.

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

After arriving from Celtic, Postecoglou promised silverware and delivered the Europa League title in his second season. Despite the success, rumors swirl about his future at Spurs.

17. Thomas Tuchel (England) – £6m

Following Gareth Southgate’s departure, Tuchel was handed the England job with a lucrative deal. With his decorated CV, he’s seen as the man who could finally lead the Three Lions to major glory.

16. Arne Slot (Liverpool) – £6.4m

Slot took over from Klopp and didn’t just steady the ship—he steered Liverpool to their 20th league title. His £6.4 million salary already looks like a bargain.

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

After United sacked Erik ten Hag, Amorim was chosen to lead a major rebuild. Despite a disastrous season, hopes remain high as reinforcements like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrive.

14. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) – £6.7m

After making history at Leverkusen, Alonso now leads Real Madrid with the aim of returning the club to the top of European football. His first task: bring the Champions League back to the Bernabeu.

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

Despite Burnley’s relegation, Kompany landed the Bayern job and silenced doubters by winning the Bundesliga. His salary reflects the club’s gamble—and their faith in his potential.

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

Following a failed spell at Lyon, Blanc was handed a lifeline by Al-Ittihad. Now earning big money in Saudi Arabia, he’s gunning for silverware against elite competition.

11. Unai Emery (Aston Villa) – £8.3m

Emery has transformed Villa from mid-table dwellers into European regulars. His continental expertise continues to pay dividends for the Midlands club.

10. Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – £8.4m

Ancelotti left Real Madrid to take over the Brazil national team, earning £8.4m per year. A hefty bonus awaits if he wins the World Cup in 2026.

9. Jose Mourinho (Fenerbahce) – £9.2m

The ‘Special One’ is now commanding attention—and cash—in Turkey. Mourinho’s aura and global brand have made him a marquee asset for Fenerbahce.

8. Matthias Jaissle (Al-Ahli) – £9.6m

Once a rising star at Salzburg, Jaissle’s redemption arc has led him to success in Saudi Arabia. His Al-Ahli side qualified for the Asian Champions League under his guidance.

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

Enrique led PSG to their first-ever Champions League triumph in dominant fashion. With a treble now under his belt in France, he may be in line for an even bigger payday.

6. David Moyes (Everton) – £12.5m

Moyes returned to Everton and saved them from disaster, guiding the club away from the relegation zone. His experience and tactical nous earned him a bumper deal.

5. Stefano Pioli (Al-Nassr) – £15.5m

After departing AC Milan, Pioli moved to Saudi Arabia to take charge of Ronaldo and co. Despite fierce competition, Al-Nassr remains in the title hunt under his watch.

4. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) – £15.6m

Arteta has brought Arsenal back to prominence, nearly ending their title drought twice. His new contract includes hefty incentives for winning trophies.

3. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – £20.7m

Widely regarded as the best in the world, Guardiola’s salary matches his status. After a historic treble, even a “down year” doesn’t diminish his value to City.

2. Simone Inzaghi (Al-Hilal) – £21.8m

Inzaghi swapped Inter for Al-Hilal after near-misses in the Champions League. His fluid football and Serie A title win made him a high-priority target for Saudi investment.

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

Simeone remains the highest-paid manager on the planet, thanks to his enduring success with Atletico. Despite a wage cut in 2023, his influence and loyalty keep him firmly at the top.