The highest-paid football coaches in the world

Football players are not the only ones to draw the spotlight and the big checks. Football coaches have built impressive fortunes thanks to their strategic talents and ability to lead teams to victory.

The best-known football managers in the world are usually those who have always been successful or have proven themselves to be excellent. Leading a team to victory, postponing trophies, and going through difficult moments with strategic decision-making are the primary responsibilities of a manager. Day salaries and managers’ wages have increased significantly.

The best clubs in the elite leagues invest heavily in their managers, offering lucrative contracts in exchange for tactical expertise, leadership, and long-term success. Despite this, managing a football team is one of the most demanding jobs in sports.

The following list presents the 10 highest-paid managers at the beginning of 2025, with salaries reflecting these tacticians’ immense value to the field. These figures, all annual salaries, underline how valuable managers are in world football.

The 10 highest-paid football coaches in the world

1. Diego Simeone

Diego Simeone, the longest-serving and most successful manager in the history of Atlético Madrid, tops the list with a staggering annual salary of $37 million. Simeone’s leadership has been instrumental in Atlético’s rise to prominence, including winning two La Liga titles and constantly challenging Europe’s elite clubs.

Despite a salary reduction in 2023 to help Atlético’s finances, Simeone remains the highest-paid coach in the world. His salary reflects his incredible mandate and the club’s immense confidence in his expertise. Simeone’s fiery leadership style and tactical acumen have made Atlético a force to be reckoned with in European football.

2. Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola, one of the best managers ever, earns $ 26.8 million annually at Manchester City. Guardiola’s impact at City since 2016 is undeniable: he has won five Premier League titles, leading them to a historic victory in the Champions League 2023. City’s long-term investment in Guardiola is reflected in his lucrative new contract, which runs until 2027.

His success and tactical genius have transformed City into a dominant force, and his salary reflects his global stature. Visit. A F R I N I K . C O M . For the full article. Under his leadership, City continues to pursue domestic and international glory, with Guardiola at the heart of their continued success.

3. Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has quickly become one of the highest-paid managers in the world, earning $20.2 million a year at Arsenal. After taking over in 2019, Arteta rejuvenated the club, leading it to an FA Cup victory in 2020 and guiding it to a near-miss in the Premier League title race. At the end of 2024, Arsenal rewarded him with a significant salary increase, reflecting the club’s long-term confidence in his leadership. With Arteta at the helm, Arsenal is on the verge of fighting for major trophies, and the club’s investment in him underlines its confidence in its vision for the future.

4. Stefano Pioli – Al Nassr

Stefano Pioli moved from A. C. Milan to Al Nassr in 2024, signing a three-year contract worth approximately 20 million yearly. Pioli’s salary reflects his achievements with Milan, where he led the club to its first Serie A title in 11 years. His new challenge in Saudi Arabia sees him manage international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo. Pioli’s significant salary highlights both his pedigree and Saudi Arabia’s investment in the growth of their domestic league. His task is straightforward: to bring silverware to Al Nassr and solidify their position as one of Asia’s best clubs.

5. David Moyes

David Moies, now in charge of Everton, earns EV 16.2 million a year, a salary that reflects his value and expertise. Moies returned to Everton in January 2025, taking over during a difficult period for the club. With his successful record, including winning the European Conference League with West Ham in 2023, Moies ‘ salary mirrors Everton’s belief in his ability to stabilize and rebuild the club as they move into a new stadium. His deep connection with the club and his experience makes him a key figure in Everton’s future.

6. Luis Enrique

Luis Henriko, the former manager of Spain and Barcelona, now leads Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a yearly salary of $ 12.4 million. Since taking over in 2023, Henry has brought his tactical talent to the French giants, with PSG extending his contract until 2027 after impressing with his early results. Known for his attacking style and success in Barcelona, Henry is tasked with delivering PSG’s long-sought-after glory in the Champions League. His considerable salary reflects both his pedigree and the enormous potential PSG sees in him to conquer Europe finally.

7. Matthias Jaissle – Al Ahli

At just 35 years old, Matthias Jaffle had already become one of the world’s top-paid managers, earning 12.4 million annually with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The German manager was poached by RB Salzburg in 2023 after impressing with his tactical nous and success in Austria. Al Ahli, newly promoted to the Saudi Professional League, lured Jissle with a conspicuous contract that underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition in football. Jaissance Moderna’s tactical approach and impressive potential made him one of the most sought-after young managers in the game.

8. José Mourinho-Fenerbahce Rice

José Mourinho, the self-proclaimed “Special One,” earns approximately 11.9 million annually at Fenerbahçe in Turkey. After a successful tenure at AS Roma, he joined the club on a two-year contract in mid-2024. Known for his trophy-laden career, including Champions League victories with Porto and Inter Milan, Mourinho is tasked with reviving Fenerbahçe Rice’s fortunes.

His salary reflects his legendary status and the high expectations placed on him to restore the club to prominence. Mourinho’s presence must have energized the club and its fans, and he will be well compensated for his efforts.

9. Jorge Jesus-Al Hilal

Jorge Jesus earns 11.1 million annually as Al Hilal’s head coach in the Saudi Professional League. Jesus returned to the club for a second spell in 2023, leading them to an undefeated league title and a domestic Super Cup. Known for his successful European stints with Benfica and Sporting CP, Jesus ‘ contract extension with Al Hilal in May 2024 further solidified his high reputation in world football coaching. The lucrative agreement underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to raise the standard of its league and ensure global managerial talent.

10. Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti remains one of the most respected figures in football, having guided several top clubs to glory during a managerial career spanning over two decades. Now in his second stint at Real Madrid, Ancelotti’s current contract earns him 10.7 million annually and continues through the 2023-24 season.

Under his leadership, Madrid captured numerous league titles and Champions League trophies. After his Madrid tenure, Ancelotti will take over the Brazil national team. His extensive experience justifies his salary, reflecting his proven European football history.