Vincent Kompany, Diego Simeone, Jose Mourinho, Xabi Alonso

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

October 17, 2025 Oliver Obel

Football managers have become global superstars, earning astronomical salaries that rival some of the best players in the game. In 2025, the sport’s most influential tacticians command huge wages across Europe, the Middle East and international football. Here’s a countdown of the 20 highest-paid managers in the world right now.

20. José Mourinho – Benfica (£5.2m)

Jose Mourinho — Ettore Griffoni / Shutterstock.com

José Mourinho has returned to his homeland to take charge of S.L. Benfica, the club where it all began for him. The Portuguese icon earns £5.2 million a year as he looks to cap off his illustrious career with domestic glory. His homecoming marks a full-circle moment after two decades of European dominance.

19. Antonio Conte – Napoli (£5.2m)

After a difficult spell in England, Antonio Conte has reignited his career in Italy with S.S.C. Napoli. The fiery tactician delivered immediate success upon his return, earning a £5.2 million salary. His tactical sharpness has quickly made Napoli title contenders once again.

18. Thomas Tuchel – England (£6m)

Thomas Tuchel has taken on the challenge of international football by becoming the head coach of England national football team. The German tactician earns £6 million annually as he aims to deliver the nation’s first major trophy since 1966. His winning pedigree from club football could be the missing piece for the Three Lions.

17. Arne Slot – Liverpool (£6.4m)

Arne Slot has seamlessly filled big shoes at Liverpool F.C., guiding the club to more glory after the Klopp era. The Dutch manager earns £6.4 million a year for his efforts. His meticulous approach has made him one of the most respected coaches in Europe.

16. Hansi Flick – Barcelona (£6.5m)

Hansi Flick has found his stride at FC Barcelona after mixed spells in Germany. The 60-year-old earns £6.5 million per year to lead a star-studded team back to European dominance. His dynamic approach has brought renewed optimism to Camp Nou.

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

Ruben Amorim — daykung / Shutterstock.com

Rúben Amorim stepped into one of football’s most pressurized jobs at Manchester United F.C.. The young Portuguese coach earns £6.7 million annually as he attempts to restore the club’s former glory. With a major rebuild underway, the expectations are sky-high.

14. Xabi Alonso – Real Madrid (£6.7m)

After conquering Germany with Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso now leads Real Madrid CF. The Spanish tactician earns £6.7 million a year as he begins his mission to return Los Blancos to the summit of Europe. A beloved former player, Alonso brings both vision and ambition.

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

Vincent Kompany made a bold leap from Burnley to FC Bayern Munich. He earns £7.8 million a year after winning the Bundesliga in his first season in charge. His modern approach to the game has surprised many and impressed even more.

12. Thomas Frank – Tottenham Hotspur (£8m)

Thomas Frank’s impressive work at Brentford earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. Now on £8 million a year, the Danish manager is tasked with transforming Spurs into genuine contenders. His calm and intelligent style is already winning fans over.

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

Laurent Blanc has found a lucrative new chapter at Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia. The Frenchman earns £8.3 million annually as part of the Pro League’s star-studded revolution. His mission is to topple rivals and bring home silverware.

10. Unai Emery – Aston Villa (£8.3m)

Unai Emery has turned Aston Villa F.C. into a European contender once again. With a salary of £8.3 million per year, the Spaniard has masterminded their return to the Champions League. His reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically astute coaches continues to grow.

9. Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil (£8.4m)

After a trophy-laden spell in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti now leads Brazil national football team. The Italian legend earns £8.4 million per year as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup. His calm leadership could guide Brazil to another golden era.

8. Matthias Jaissle – Al-Ahli (£9.6m)

Matthias Jaissle has taken his rising reputation to Al Ahli Saudi FC. The young German coach earns £9.6 million annually after leading the team to rapid success. His bold move to the Middle East reflects the league’s growing financial power.

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

Luis Enrique has delivered European success to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in his second season. On £9.6 million a year, he continues to lead one of the most talented squads in world football. His pedigree as a treble-winning manager remains unmatched in France.

6. Jorge Jesus – Al-Nassr (£10.4m)

Jorge Jesus is enjoying a lucrative spell at Al Nassr FC. The Portuguese veteran earns £10.4 million annually as he leads a star-studded side featuring Cristiano Ronaldo. His experience in Saudi football has made him one of the highest-paid coaches in the world.

5. David Moyes – Everton (£12.5m)

David Moyes has returned to Everton F.C. in spectacular fashion. On £12.5 million a year, he has revitalized the club and inspired a remarkable turnaround. The veteran Scotsman has become one of the most surprising names on this list.

4. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal (£15.6m)

Mikel Arteta is now one of the top earners in world football at Arsenal F.C.. Earning £15.6 million annually, he has transformed the Gunners into serious title contenders. His tactical clarity and culture-building have cemented his status as a world-class coach.

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

Pep Guardiola continues to set the benchmark at Manchester City F.C.. With a salary of £20.7 million per year, he remains one of the most influential figures in modern football. His trophy cabinet and tactical genius speak for themselves.

2. Simone Inzaghi – Al-Hilal (£21.8m)

Simone Inzaghi has swapped Milan for riches in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal FC. Earning £21.8 million annually, he is tasked with turning the Saudi giants into continental champions. His attacking style has already made waves in the region.

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

At the top of the list sits Diego Simeone of Atlético Madrid. Earning £25.9 million a year, he remains the highest-paid manager in the world by a clear margin. His loyalty and success with Atleti have made him a modern football icon.