In the high-stakes world of modern football, a manager’s job is one of the most challenging and intense in all of sports. They are the masterminds, the leaders, and the tacticians, responsible for everything from a team's strategy to the morale of its players. At the highest level, success is measured not just in wins, but in major titles and trophies, which is why the best managers are also the highest paid in the world. Their massive salaries are a reflection of their proven track record, their ability to handle immense pressure, and the immense financial power of the clubs they lead. This year, the landscape of top managerial salaries has seen some interesting shifts, with new players entering the market and established veterans securing their places at the top. The competition for elite managerial talent is no longer limited to the traditional powerhouses of Europe; Saudi Arabian clubs, armed with immense wealth, are now a major force, reshaping the global market for football's leading minds.
Top-Tier Tacticians: The Elite Five
The top of the list is dominated by managers who have either consistently delivered silverware or have taken on a high-risk, high-reward challenge. Their salaries reflect their status as the most sought-after figures in the game.
1. Diego Simeone — Atlético Madrid (£30.1 million)
For years, Diego "Cholo" Simeone has been the king of the coaching salary charts, and 2025 is no different. The Argentine boss is not just a coach; he is the soul of Atlético Madrid. His longevity is almost unheard of in modern football, having been at the club since 2011. This long-standing relationship was cemented in late 2023 when he accepted a pay cut to sign a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2027. This deal still makes him the highest-paid manager on the planet, earning an incredible €35 million (£30.1m) per year. Simeone’s time at Atlético has been a masterclass in tactical discipline and determination. He has won eight trophies for the club, including two La Liga titles and two Europa League triumphs.
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His legacy is defined by his ability to compete with football giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona on a much smaller budget, making his salary a worthwhile investment for the club’s consistent success.
2. Simone Inzaghi — Al-Hilal (£22.4 million)
A surprising but significant mover on this year's list is Simone Inzaghi. The Italian manager made a stunning switch from Inter Milan to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, signing a two-year deal worth €26 million (£22.4m) per season. This move highlights the new financial power of the Saudi Pro League, which is now a serious competitor for top European talent. While at Inter, Inzaghi led the team to a Serie A title, two Coppa Italy trophies, and three Supercoppa Italiana successes. Although his final season was a disappointment for some, his new role at Al-Hilal has already started with a bang, as he led them to a stunning victory over Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup. His high salary shows that Saudi clubs are prepared to pay top dollar to attract managers who can bring both tactical knowledge and a winning mentality to the league.
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3. Pep Guardiola — Manchester City (£20 million)
Regarded by many as one of the greatest managers in the history of football, Pep Guardiola continues to command a salary that matches his iconic status. In November 2024, he signed a new two-year contract with Manchester City, extending his stay until 2027. Since joining in 2016, the Spaniard has transformed the club into a global powerhouse, winning an astonishing 18 trophies. This includes six Premier League titles, with an unprecedented four consecutive wins, as well as the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Guardiola's tactical innovations and relentless pursuit of perfection make him one of the most influential figures in the sport, and his £20 million annual salary is a testament to the value he brings to the club.
4. Mikel Arteta — Arsenal (£15.6 million)
Mikel Arteta’s inclusion on this list is a reflection of his remarkable journey from a promising assistant to one of the most respected managers in the Premier League. In September 2024, he signed a new three-year deal with Arsenal worth £15.6 million per season, a clear sign of the club's belief in his project. Despite only winning an FA Cup and two Community Shields, his work has transformed Arsenal from a struggling side into a consistent title contender, finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. Arteta's focus on building a strong, youthful squad and a clear tactical identity has undoubtedly earned him his place among the world's best-paid coaches.
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5. David Moyes — Everton (£12.5 million)
David Moyes's return to Everton in January of this year was a major headline, and his £12.5 million annual salary is an even bigger surprise. While his salary is high, it reflects the high-pressure situation he was brought in to solve. With Everton sitting just outside the relegation zone, Moyes was tasked with a singular, crucial goal: to save the club. He quickly turned things around, steering the team away from danger and securing their Premier League status by the end of the season. His salary is a symbol of the immense value placed on a manager who can deliver results when the stakes are highest, especially for a club with such a rich history and loyal fan base.
The Global Stage: New Wealth and Established Names
Beyond the top five, the list features a blend of established legends and rising stars, all of whom are reaping the rewards of their success on the pitch.
The Saudi Arabian Influence
The financial muscle of Saudi Arabian football is evident throughout the list. Along with Simone Inzaghi, two other managers have secured spots in the top 10 due to big-money moves to the Middle East. Matthias Jaissle, once considered one of Europe's brightest young managerial talents, made a sensational move to Al-Ahli in 2023, where he now earns £10.3 million per year. He has already delivered a major title, leading the club to win the AFC Champions League. Similarly, Laurent Blanc, a veteran of French football with a decorated career at PSG and as a national team coach, now earns £8.6m per annum at Al-Ittihad. These salaries underscore a new era where the world's top managerial talent is no longer confined to Europe.
Legends on the Move
Two of the most decorated managers in the game, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, have also made significant career moves that have landed them high on this list. Jose Mourinho, who joined Fenerbahçe in 2024, was lured to Turkey with a £9.6 million annual salary, making him the highest-paid manager in the Turkish league and proving that "The Special One" still has immense market value. Carlo Ancelotti, a four-time Champions League winner, left Real Madrid to take on the challenge of coaching the Brazilian national team, earning £9.4 million a year. This makes him the highest-paid national team manager in the world, with the monumental task of leading Brazil to victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rising Stars and Premier League Power
The rest of the top-paid managers list includes several rising stars and key figures from the Premier League. Unai Emery's impressive work at Aston Villa has earned him an £8m salary, while the moves of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid and Ruben Amorim to Manchester United have also been met with significant pay packages of £6.7m. These younger managers are being trusted with leading some of the world's biggest clubs, and their salaries reflect the high expectations placed upon them.
In conclusion, the world of football management has become a truly global market, with immense wealth and a relentless pursuit of success driving salaries to new heights. The list of highest-paid managers is a who's who of tactical geniuses and proven winners, all of whom are compensated for the monumental pressure and expectations that come with their roles. Whether they are building a dynasty, leading a new challenge in a different part of the world, or saving a club from disaster, these managers are the true titans of the game, and their salaries prove it.
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According to a report by FootballOrbit, the list of the highest-paid football managers in 2025