In the world of football, coaches often take center stage just as much as the players. Their strategies, decisions, and leadership are crucial to the success of any team. However, it’s not just their tactical brilliance that has earned them a spot in the limelight. The financial rewards of managing top-tier clubs and national teams have skyrocketed, with some of the richest soccer coaches enjoying eye-popping salaries and extraordinary contracts. Here’s a look at the 17 wealthiest football managers, their earnings, and what makes them some of the highest-paid professionals in the sport.
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17. Vincenzo Montella – Turkey National Team | $1.83 million
Starting the list is Vincenzo Montella, the former striker turned coach of the Turkey national team. Montella has had a steady career managing clubs in Italy and Turkey, and now, with the national team, his salary sits at a solid $1.83 million. While Montella may not be among the highest earners, his consistent career and expertise in nurturing young talent contribute to his respected position in world football.
16. Luciano Spalletti – Italy National Team | $3.05 million
Luciano Spalletti, known for his tactical prowess, led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over 30 years. He now manages Italy’s national team, earning $3.05 million annually. His success in both Italy’s top league and on the international stage has solidified his reputation, and his salary reflects his importance to the Azzurri’s future.
15. Ronald Koeman – Netherlands National Team | $3.05 million
Another national team manager on the list is Ronald Koeman, who takes charge of the Netherlands. Koeman is well-known for his time as a player and a manager in top European leagues, and his salary mirrors his prominence. At $3.05 million, Koeman combines experience and a wealth of tactical knowledge to steer the Netherlands through competitive international tournaments.
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14. Didier Deschamps – France National Team | $3.9 million
Didier Deschamps, a World Cup-winning coach with France, ranks at $3.9 million. Deschamps has earned the respect of football fans and experts worldwide for his disciplined approach and successful management of France’s golden generation. Under his leadership, France secured a World Cup title in 2018, and his salary reflects his status as one of the most successful national team managers of his time.
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13. Roberto MartÃnez – Portugal National Team | $4.15 million
Roberto MartÃnez took over the Portugal national team after managing Belgium to a historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. MartÃnez’s contract with Portugal is worth $4.15 million annually, and his leadership skills and tactical vision make him one of the most highly paid managers in the international arena.
12. Julian Nagelsmann – Germany National Team | $4.88 million
One of the brightest young minds in football management, Julian Nagelsmann is now leading the German national team after a successful stint with Bayern Munich. At 36 years old, Nagelsmann is already commanding a salary of $4.88 million, a reflection of his potential and his proven ability to work with elite players and elevate their performances.
11. Arne Slot – Liverpool | $7.56 million
Arne Slot’s move from Feyenoord to Liverpool brought him into the elite category of football managers. His impressive track record in the Eredivisie has earned him a hefty salary of $7.56 million. Slot is now tasked with guiding one of the most storied clubs in England back to the pinnacle of world football.
10. Ruben Amorim – Manchester United | $7.93 million
Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, has enjoyed success with Portuguese side Sporting CP before making the jump to the Premier League. His ability to work with young players and his tactical intelligence have seen him rewarded with a $7.93 million salary, one of the highest in world football.
9. Unai Emery – Aston Villa | $9.76 million
Unai Emery has built a solid reputation in Europe, with successful stints at Villarreal and Arsenal. Now managing Aston Villa, Emery commands a salary of $9.76 million, benefiting from his proven track record of winning European trophies and his tactical expertise in English football.
8. Simone Inzaghi – Inter Milan | $10.74 million
Simone Inzaghi has been a key figure in Inter Milan’s recent successes, including winning the Serie A title and competing at the highest level in European football. His salary of $10.74 million places him among the top earners in football management, a testament to his ability to lead a club to greatness.
7. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain | $11.57 million
Luis Enrique’s appointment at Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most talked-about managerial moves in recent years. After a successful tenure at Barcelona, Enrique has taken charge of PSG, earning $11.57 million annually. His salary reflects the high expectations placed on him to bring European glory to the French giants.
6. Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid | $11.71 million
One of the most decorated managers in football history, Carlo Ancelotti has earned the trust of Real Madrid’s board to lead the team to further success. His $11.71 million salary is a reflection of his vast experience and his ability to guide top clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and now Real Madrid to numerous domestic and international titles.
5. Jorge Jesus – Al-Hilal | $12.2 million
Jorge Jesus, who has had a long and successful managerial career in Portugal, now leads Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. His time at Benfica and other major clubs in Europe has earned him a salary of $12.2 million. Jesus is one of the highest-paid coaches in the Middle East, reflecting his managerial acumen and the wealth of experience he brings.
4. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal | $18.3 million
Mikel Arteta, once a player for Arsenal, is now leading the club to new heights as their manager. Arteta’s salary of $18.3 million is a clear reflection of his success in turning Arsenal into one of the top teams in England. Under his leadership, Arsenal has challenged for the Premier League title and shown promise in Europe.
3. Steven Gerrard – Al-Ettifaq | $18.54 million
Steven Gerrard, another former player turned manager, has made a significant career move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq. His $18.54 million salary is a result of his ability to captivate the Middle Eastern football market, and his high profile in England as one of the most iconic players to have played in the Premier League.
2. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City | $24.4 million
Pep Guardiola, one of the most successful and innovative football managers of all time, commands an incredible salary of $24.4 million. Under his guidance, Manchester City has dominated English football, securing multiple Premier League titles and Champions League trophies. Guardiola’s salary reflects his exceptional achievements and the immense value he brings to one of the richest clubs in the world.
1. Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid | $36.6 million
At the top of the list is Diego Simeone, whose $36.6 million salary is the highest among all football coaches. Simeone has transformed Atletico Madrid into one of Europe’s most formidable teams, with his tactical expertise and relentless approach leading them to domestic and European glory. His salary is a testament to his status as one of the most successful and respected managers in world football.
