While it is very well documented that footballers are handsomely paid for their services, the same can be extended for their managers. European football in particular, at least in the top five leagues, involves a lot of money, and in this post, we look at the top five best-paid managers in 2021.
5. Antonio Conte (Inter) €11 million per year
Winning the Scudetto over the weekend for the first time in a decade, Antonio Conte has managed to lead the Nerazzurri back to the top of the Italian mountain, dethroning Juventus who enjoyed a stronghold of 9 years on the domestic title. While the future is still unclear, the Italian has done a remarkable job with Inter over two seasons.
4. Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid) – €12 million per year
Managing the best club in the world is an extremely difficult job, but comes with its financial perks as well. Zizou led Los Merengues to their 34th LaLiga title last season and has made them legitimate title contenders once again this season despite the injury-plagued season.
3. Fabio Cannavaro (Guangzhou FC) – €12 million per year
After stints with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr and Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian, Cannavaro returned to Guangzhou as a manager in 2017, a position he still occupies. In his second stint with the Chinese club, Cannavaro has managed to lead the team into third place in the league.
2. Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid) – €15 million per year
Currently, atop the LaLiga table, Diego Simeone’s tactical philosophy is among the best in the world. He is hailed as the best defensive coach in the continent, and rightfully so. Atletico Madrid could finally win the LaLiga this season after seven seasons, ending Barcelona and Real Madrid’s streak of trading.
1. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – €23 million per year
Having only signed a new contract with City this season, Guardiola is the best-paid manager in the world. He has led the Sky Blues into their first-ever Champions League final and has the chance of winning the trophy after a decade. Given his tactical genius and his ability to work with the best, it is only fair that his work is rewarded well financially, which is possible for the City group.
