Football management has undergone a revolution in the twenty-first century, thanks to creative strategies, sophisticated analytics, and astute player management. These brilliant minds have influenced the beautiful game from the dugout, making a lasting impression on their teams, players, and supporters.
It’s evident that some managers have distinguished themselves from the others throughout the last 20 years (2000–2024) by continuously attaining success, adjusting to shifting conditions, and motivating future generations of coaches. Due to his classification as a 20th century coach, great coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson were left off the list.
The top ten football managers who have had a significant influence on the sport, taking their clubs to new heights and changing the definition of what it means to be a great manager are included here.
10. 14-time trophy winner Roberto Mancini
The management career of the Italian strategist is evidence of his success. The club’s 44-year title drought came to an end in 2012 when he won the Premier League with Manchester City. But Mancini’s greatest accomplishment was leading Italy to a European Championship win in 2021.
9. Thirteen trophies for Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel has advanced swiftly through the coaching ranks and is renowned for his tactical adaptability and capacity to bring out the best in his players. His 2021 Champions League victories with Chelsea and PSG’s march to the championship game serve as a testament to his skill.
8. Ten trophies for Diego Simeone
Diego Simeone’s passionate and committed coaching approach has made Atletico Madrid a formidable His two trips to the Champions League finals and his 2014 La Liga title demonstrate his strategic prowess and capacity to motivate his team.
7 Luis Enrique, with twelve trophies
Barcelona’s incredible treble victory in 2015 included Luis Enrique’s offensive style and skillful squad management. His reputation as a top-tier coach has been strengthened by his ongoing success with the Spanish national team.
6. Nine trophies for Vicente del Bosque
Del Bosque is a cool-headed manager whose success with Spain has shaped his management career. Under Del Bosque, Spanish football reached its zenith with victories in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. His legend is further enhanced by his prior victory with Real Madrid.
5. 11-trophy Zinedine Zidane
The managing career of Zidane is quite remarkable. From 2016 to 2018, Real Madrid won three straight Champions League titles, setting a new record. His success has been aided by his ability to control egos and his composed manner.
4. With 13 trophies, Jürgen Klopp
Because of his fierce gegenpressing style, Jürgen Klopp has significantly changed football. His victories with Liverpool in the Premier League in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019 put an end to the team’s protracted trophy drought. Klopp is a well-known figure all around the world thanks to his charisma and strategic ingenuity.
3. With 31 trophies, Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo is a top-tier manager thanks to his strategies and track record of effectively leading well-known teams. He is regarded as one of the greatest in the sport because of his remarkable collection of Champions League trophies with AC Milan and Real Madrid, as well as his numerous domestic league titles.
AC Milan: Supercoppa Italiana (2002), Serie A (2002), UEFA Champions League (2003), 2007
Real Madrid: Copa del Rey (2014), La Liga (2015), UEFA Champions League (2014, 2023, and 2024), and club World Cup (three times for Ac Milan)
Chelsea: FA Cup (2010), Premier League (2010)
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich (2017)
Serie A: Napoli (2023)
Paris Saint-Germain: Trophée des Champions (2012), Ligue 1 (2013)
2. 30 trophies for Jose Mourinho
Throughout his career, Jose Mourinho has received numerous awards for his astute and results-oriented management style. Notably, his victories in the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as other domestic league titles, have solidified his standing as a formidable force in the football industry.
Porto: Primeira Liga (2002, 2003, 2004), UEFA Champions League (2004), UEFA Cup (2003)
Chelsea: League Cup (2005, 2007), FA Cup (2007), Premier League (2005, 2006, 2015)
Inter Milan: Coppa Italia (2010), Serie A (2008, 2009), UEFA Champions League (2010)
Real Madrid: Copa del Rey (2011), La Liga (2012)
Manchester United: League Cup (2017), UEFA Europa League (2017)
Roma: Conference League UEFA Europa (2022)
1. 39 trophies for Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola’s innovative tactics and emphasis on ball management in soccer have earned him recognition. He has become a leading figure in modern coaching thanks to his accomplishments with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, which include many league victories and Champions League titles. These coaches’ tactical creativity, effective leadership, and winning record have had a profound and long-lasting impact on the soccer world in recent years.
Barcelona: two FIFA Club World Cups, three La Liga, two Copa del Rey, three Supercopa de España, two UEFA Champions Leagues
3 Bundesliga, 2 DFB-Pokal, 1 UEFA Super Cup, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup for Bayern Munich
Manchester City: one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, three FA Community Shields, six Premier League titles, and one FIFA Club World Cup
