A football manager’s job has become one of the most demanding in the world of sports. With clubs and national teams wanting fast results, the individuals in the dugout are well compensated – often more so than star players.
Elite managers in 2025 will not only compete for trophies, but also earn record-breaking wages throughout Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Saudi clubs have actively entered the market, causing the financial environment to shift substantially.
We rate the world’s 20 highest-paid football managers in 2025 based solely on base income (bonuses and performance incentives are removed).
20. Enzo Maresca — Chelsea (£4.2 million).
The Italian strategist, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, took over at Chelsea in 2024. Despite the difficulty of managing a youthful squad in transition, Chelsea offered him £4.2 million per year to calm the ship. This figure is low for a manager of a top-six Premier League club when compared to his competitors.
19. Massimiliano Allegri — AC Milan (£4.3 million).
Allegri’s salary at Milan after leaving Juventus is £4.3 million each season. He is known for tactical discipline and defensive stability, and he is still one of Italy’s most renowned coaches, despite the fact that his compensation reflects the lower financial strength of Serie A in comparison to England and Saudi Arabia.
18. Oliver Glasner — Crystal Palace (£4.6 million).
After winning the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt, Glasner joined Crystal Palace in 2023. Earning £4.6 million a year, the Austrian has brought energy and pressing football to the London club, making him one of the highest-paid managers outside of the traditional Premier League elite.
17. Mauricio Pochettino — USA (£5.1 million).
Pochettino took over the US Men’s National Team in 2025, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup on home turf. His £5.1 million annual contract underlines the US Federation’s desire to make a global impact.
16. Antonio Conte — Napoli (£5.6 million).
Napoli turned to Conte in 2024 to rekindle their Scudetto-winning momentum. His trademark intensity and winning pedigree come at a cost: £5.6 million per season. Though lower than his Premier League salary, it remains one of the highest in Serie A.
15. Thomas Tuchel — England (£6 million).
The former manager of Chelsea and Bayern Munich will take over as England manager in 2024. Tuchel, tasked with finally delivering trophy to the Three Lions, earns £6 million a year, making him one of the world’s highest-paid international coaches.
14. Arne Slot — Liverpool (£6.4 million).
Replacing Jürgen Klopp in 2024 was never going to be simple, but Liverpool entrusted Arne Slot with the job following his success at Feyenoord. His £6.4 million salary reflects both Liverpool’s faith in him and the Premier League’s financial strength.
13. Rúben Amorim — Manchester United (£6.7 million)
Following his success at Sporting CP, Amorim was chosen to head Manchester United’s next rebuild. His £6.7 million annual compensation demonstrates United’s willingness to invest considerably in a young manager with innovative tactical ideas.
12. Xabi Alonso — Real Madrid (£6.7m)
After managing Bayer Leverkusen to great success, Alonso joined Real Madrid in 2024. At £6.7 million per year, his deal indicates both his relative inexperience and Madrid’s belief in his long-term vision.
11. Vincent Kompany — Bayern Munich (£7.8m)
In an unexpected move, the Belgian coach will join Bayern in 2024 from Burnley. His £7.8 million pay puts him considerably ahead of his Bundesliga peers, indicating Bayern’s conviction in his abilities despite his youthful management age.
10. Unai Emery — Aston Villa (£8m)
Since joining Villa in 2022, Emery has made them into Champions League regulars. His new contract extension until 2029 increased his annual pay to £8 million, a reward for one of the most successful management rebuilds in recent Premier League history.
9. Laurent Blanc — Al-Ittihad (£8.6 million).
The Frenchman, a former PSG coach, now earns £8.6 million a year in Saudi Arabia. Blanc’s compensation reflects the Saudi Pro League’s active pursuit of elite managerial skills, as he is responsible for sustaining Al-Ittihad’s dominance.
8. Carlo Ancelotti — Brazil (£9.4 million).
The Frenchman, a former PSG coach, now earns £8.6 million a year in Saudi Arabia. Blanc’s compensation reflects the Saudi Pro League’s active pursuit of elite managerial skills, as he is responsible for sustaining Al-Ittihad’s dominance.
8. Carlo Ancelotti — Brazil (£9.4 million).
Hansi Flick’s initial gross annual compensation at FC Barcelona was said to be between €9 and 11 million, with potential bonuses for winning La Liga and the Champions League. He also agreed to a cut in his previous pay to accommodate the club’s financial circumstances.
6. Luis Enrique — PSG (£10.3 million).
PSG’s gamble on Luis Enrique has paid off spectacularly. After a domestic treble in 2024 and a historic Champions League win, his £10.3 million contract appears to be a bargain for a manager who has finally fulfilled PSG’s European goal.
5. David Moyes — Everton (£12.5 million).
Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, just as the club was in danger of relegation. The Toffees offered him an astounding £12.5 million annual wage, relying on his experience. His quick turnaround insured survival, making the investment profitable.
4. Mikel Arteta — Arsenal (£15.6m)
Since taking over in 2019, Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a consistent Premier League title contender. His £15.6 million-per-year contract extension in 2024 demonstrates Arsenal’s belief in his ability to break a 20-year league title drought.
3. Pep Guardiola — Manchester City (£20 million).
Guardiola, City’s most successful coach, has agreed to a £20 million annual contract extension until 2027. Pep remains the highest-paid manager in the Premier League, having won six league titles, multiple domestic cups, and a Champions League.
2. Simone Inzaghi — Al-Hilal (£22.4 million).
Guardiola, City’s most successful coach, has signed a £20 million annual contract extension until 2027. Pep is the highest-paid manager in the Premier League, having won six league titles, numerous domestic cups, and a Champions League.
2. Simone Inzaghi — Al-Hilal (£22.4m)
After leaving Inter Milan, Inzaghi surprised Europe by joining Al-Hilal in 2025. His £22.4 million salary makes him the highest-paid manager outside of Europe. He’s already shown himself by knocking Manchester City out of the Club World Cup.
1. Diego Simeone — Atlético Madrid (£30.1m)
Diego Simeone leads the global rankings for the sixth year in a row. Despite a compensation drop in 2023, his annual remuneration of £30.1 million is still the highest in world football. Since joining Atlético in 2011, he has won two La Liga crowns, two Europa Leagues, and twice reached the Champions League final, establishing his status as both a club legend and the world’s highest-paid manager.
SUMMARY
Football’s management compensation situation is evolving. While Europe’s behemoths remain dominant, Saudi Arabia has disturbed the market, luring elite tacticians away with record-breaking incentives. Meanwhile, national teams such as Brazil and the United States are making significant investments, knowing that elite coaching is critical to World Cup success.
What’s evident is that the dugout is no longer simply about tactics and conditioning; it’s a multi-million-pound industry where the greatest players are paid like worldwide superstars.
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