Top 10 Highest Paid Football Managers in the World in 2025

Diego Simeone pockets a staggering £25.9 million yearly salary at Atletico Madrid – more than most Premier League stars earn. The Argentine’s mammoth paycheck shows just how much clubs now value elite tactical minds.

Football’s managerial landscape has taken a dramatic turn. Premier League clubs dominate the salary charts, with eight of their managers ranking among the top 20 highest earners worldwide. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia flexes its financial muscle, luring top coaches with eye-watering pay packages.

The numbers tell quite a story. Pep Guardiola commands £20.7 million annually after leading Manchester City to a historic treble. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta isn’t far behind at £15.6 million. Ready to discover what makes these tactical masterminds worth such astronomical investments? Let’s dive into 2025’s top 10 highest paid football managers.

Top 10 Highest Paid Football Managers in the World in 2025

Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid (£25.9m)

Diego Simeone stands tall as football’s highest-paid manager, pocketing £25.9 million yearly at Atletico Madrid. The fiery Argentine’s weekly earnings hit £498,000 – a remarkable journey from club captain to tactical mastermind.

Simeone’s Trophy Cabinet

Atletico Madrid turned into a European powerhouse under Simeone’s watch since December 2011. His eight major honors pushed him past club legend Luis Aragonés for most victories. The impressive haul includes:

• Two La Liga crowns (2013-14 and 2020-21)
• Two Europa League trophies (2011-12 and 2017-18)
• One Copa del Rey (2012-13)
• Two UEFA Super Cups (2012 and 2018)
• One Spanish Super Cup (2014)

The Argentine twice guided Atletico to Champions League finals (2014 and 2016), making them Spain’s only consistent threat to Barcelona and Real Madrid’s dominance.

13+ Years of Loyalty

Simeone’s 14-year stint at Atletico stands out in modern football’s revolving door culture. Only Heidenheim’s Frank Schmidt boasts a longer current reign in European top-flight football.

“I still have the same emotion as a kid going to train the team,” Simeone shared last year, capturing his passion for the club. His November 2023 contract extension through 2027 could stretch his Atletico story to 16 remarkable years.

Money Well Spent

Simeone’s hefty paycheck delivers serious value. Under his leadership, Atletico has:

• Never missed Champions League group stages since his first full season
• Stayed among UEFA’s top 15 clubs since 2014
• Secured top-three La Liga finishes since 2013-14
• Smoothly moved from Vicente Calderón to Cívitas Metropolitano

His knack for competing against richer clubs with modest resources justifies the massive salary. The board praised his extension for maintaining “continuity” in their project.

Setting Salary Standards

Simeone tops Atletico’s wage bill, outearning every player. His previous €42 million (£36.7m) yearly package dropped to €16.5 million (£14.4m) with his latest deal, showing commitment to club finances.

During COVID-19, he led by example with a 70% pay cut alongside his squad, highlighting their collective spirit. His earnings dwarf other elite managers – surpassing both Guardiola (£20.7m) and Arteta (£15.6m), nearly tripling Ancelotti’s Real Madrid salary. At one point, he matched Guardiola and Klopp’s combined wages.

Pep Guardiola – Manchester City (£20.7m)

Manchester City’s mastermind Pep Guardiola claims second spot among football’s highest-paid managers, banking £20.7 million yearly. The Catalan genius has turned the Etihad into a fortress since 2016, with a trophy haul that justifies every penny.

Trophy Cabinet Bursting at the Seams

Ready for some mind-blowing numbers? Guardiola’s City reign has produced 16 major trophies, featuring:

• Five Premier League crowns (including four straight titles – never done before in English football)
• Two FA Cup triumphs
• Four Carabao Cup victories
• Champions League glory
• FIFA Club World Cup success
• UEFA Super Cup
• Two FA Community Shields

His numbers crush the competition – 72.5% wins across 374 matches, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson’s 65.2% in the dust. Premier League stats? Nobody comes close: 2.4 points per game, 74% wins, 2.5 goals scored, just 0.8 conceded.

Building the Perfect Machine

City backed their man with serious cash – £448 million in his first two years. One transfer window saw £178 million spent on defenders alone: Mendy (£57.5m), Walker (£51m), Danilo (£30m), and Ederson (£40m). Guardiola put it simply: “a lot of money to buy a lot of incredible players”.

Money Talks: The Commercial Boom

The Guardiola effect reaches far beyond trophies. City topped Brand Finance’s Football 50 Report, with brand value soaring 34% post-pandemic. Two straight years leading Deloitte’s Money League brought record £613 million revenue and £41.7 million profits – doubling previous records.

Brand strength? Try 92.8/100 and AAA+ rating. Perfect scores in ambition, entertainment, and management – pure Guardiola magic.

Golden Handshake

November 2023 saw Pep commit until 2027, potentially stretching his City story to 11 years. Match wins bring £115,000-£230,000 bonuses, but here’s the kicker – he handed £10,000 bonuses to support staff, totaling over £500,000. Add his Nissan ambassador role since 2019, and you’ve got quite the package.

“I felt I could not leave now… the club still wants me and we’re together – that’s why we signed”. Simple words from a man who’s worth every million.

Mikel Arteta – Arsenal (£15.6m)

Arsenal’s tactical wizard Mikel Arteta pockets £15.6 million yearly, ranking third among football’s highest-paid managers. The former Gunners captain turned managerial mastermind has proven worth every penny of this substantial investment.

From Student to Master

Life threw three options at Arteta after hanging up his boots in 2016: Arsenal’s Academy leadership, Pochettino’s Tottenham setup, or learning under Guardiola at Manchester City. The Spaniard chose City, spending three years absorbing Pep’s wisdom before Arsenal came calling in December 2019. His promotion from head coach to manager in September 2020 marked the club’s growing faith in their chosen leader.

Money talks – Arteta’s salary jumped from £5 million (2019-2022) to £8.3 million, before hitting £15.6 million. These numbers put him right up there with football’s elite earners, knocking on Guardiola’s door.

Arsenal’s Renaissance Man

Remember Arsenal’s struggles? Tenth place, 22 points from 17 games when Arteta arrived. The turnaround? Lightning quick – just one loss in his first 11 league games plus an FA Cup trophy in his debut season.

Look at these numbers:

• Points climbing: 61 → 69 → 84 → 89
• Champions League football back after seven years
• Club records smashed: 28 Premier League wins, 91 goals
• Best-ever win rate: 67.3%

Arteta’s blueprint? Possession football, high pressing, iron discipline. “More competitive in play and behavior,” as the boss puts it.

Numbers Don’t Lie

100 wins in 168 games – no Arsenal manager beats that record. Sure, it cost money – £680 million on players over five years. But check this out: squad value up £500 million on £645 million investment. Compare that to Chelsea’s £785 million spend for just £74 million value boost, or United’s £700 million for £81 million return.

The Future’s Bright

September 2024 saw Arteta pen a deal through 2027. Sporting director Edu called it “stability and clear direction”. Josh Kroenke praised his “dynamic and passionate” leadership.

“Lucky to work here every day,” Arteta shared at signing. “Inspired, challenged, supported – ready to push beyond what we’ve achieved together”.

Stefano Pioli – Al Nassr (£15.5m)

Italian mastermind Stefano Pioli banks £15.5 million yearly at Al Nassr, with weekly earnings hitting £298,000. The former AC Milan boss ranks fourth among football’s highest-paid tacticians, showcasing Saudi football’s growing financial muscle.

Saudi’s Managerial Gold Rush

Saudi Pro League flexes its financial power, throwing eye-watering salaries at elite coaches. Pioli’s appointment signals the league’s bold ambitions for global recognition. Three Saudi managers now rank among world football’s top earners – proof of the region’s serious intent.

Behind this spending spree? The mighty Public Investment Fund (PIF), wielding assets worth INR 59066.32 billion. Star players grabbed headlines first, now top managers join the Saudi football revolution.

Star-Studded Dressing Room

Ready for some serious star power? Pioli guides a squad headlined by five-time Ballon d’Or king Cristiano Ronaldo. Add Aymeric Laporte, Sadio Mané, and Jhon Duran to the mix – quite the collection of talent.

Numbers look good so far – 62.5% wins across all competitions. Yet pressure mounts with Al Nassr sitting third, needing “a perfect second half of the season” for title glory.

Milan Glory to Saudi Adventure

Pioli earned his stripes at Italian giants AC Milan, Inter Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina. His crowning moment? Leading Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years (2021-22).

Milan highlights shine bright:

• Champions League semi-final run (2022-23)
• Three straight Champions League qualifications
• Solid 45.78% career wins across 664 matches

May 2024 saw Pioli bid farewell to Milan. September brought his first adventure outside Italy – the Al Nassr hot seat.

Golden Contract Details

Three years, massive base salary, plus juicy bonuses. Championship success? Add INR 2531.41 million (£24.5 million) to the bank. This package shows Al Nassr means business in their battle with Al Hilal for Saudi supremacy.

“Al Nassr’s call excited me – a fresh challenge,” Pioli shared. “Having Cristiano here made it special. Pure enthusiasm drove my decision”.

David Moyes – Everton (£12.5m)

The Scotsman’s back at Goodison! David Moyes pockets £12.5 million yearly after his emotional January 2025 return, landing fifth spot among football’s highest-paid managers. Twelve years away, yet Everton’s prodigal son comes home to a golden welcome.

Return of the King

Moyes jumped at Everton’s call – but with a twist. No short-term firefighting, he wanted the full project. A two-and-a-half-year deal through 2027 brings serious money, dwarfing his previous Everton wages. Remember his “no more relegation battles” quote? Yet here he stands, ready for one more Goodison rescue mission.

“Great to be back! Eleven wonderful years here before,” beamed Moyes at his unveiling. Fan opinions split initially, but winning ways quickly changed minds.

American Ambition Meets Merseyside Magic

Everton’s new American chiefs, The Friedkin Group, targeted Moyes from day one. Despite PSR headaches, they backed their man with serious cash and juicy performance bonuses.

This marks Everton’s shift from survival mode to proper rebuild. Moyes puts it perfectly: “Players responding brilliantly, crowd’s fantastic… we could become a real force again”.

New Chapter, Same Spirit

TFG handed Moyes two missions: dodge relegation and prep for Bramley-Moore Dock’s bright lights. Unlike previous bosses, he’s got real transfer power to build his dream squad.

Tactical shake-up? You bet. His 3-4-2-1 system clicked instantly. After a first-game stumble, Moyes masterminded some beauties – outfoxing Spurs and holding Liverpool 2-2.

Then vs Now

First time round? Pure magic. Moyes turned relegation scrappers into European regulars, twice finishing above Liverpool. His old £4 million salary topped Everton’s charts, but today’s £12.5 million package triples that figure.

Glory days included:

• Fourth place Premier League heroics (2004-05)
• FA Cup final appearance (2009)
• Three straight European adventures (2007-10)

“Different Everton now from when I left,” Moyes admits. Different club, different times – but same old Moyes magic brewing at Goodison.

Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain (£9.6m)

Spanish maestro Luis Enrique ranks sixth among football’s money men, pulling in £9.6 million yearly at Paris Saint-Germain. PSG shells out €1 million monthly for their tactical wizard – proof that Qatar’s football project spares no expense.

PSG’s Golden Checkbook

Nine straight years PSG’s boss tops Ligue 1’s salary charts. Yet here’s the twist – Luis Enrique costs less than Pochettino’s €1.1 million monthly package. Smart spending? Maybe. But PSG still leads French football’s salary race by miles.

Qatar’s deep pockets? Try €1.9 billion on players since 2011. Sure, PSG dominates France, but that precious Champions League trophy? Still playing hard to get.

Champions League Dreams

Ready for PSG’s obsession? Champions League glory. The pressure cooker’s hot – five Last 16 exits in eleven Qatar-backed seasons tell a painful tale.

Luis Enrique keeps the faith: “Never stop fighting… history beckons”. Liverpool edged them? No worries. “We were far superior,” he declared boldly.

Life After Mbappe

Kylian’s gone to Madrid. Crisis? Not for Luis Enrique. “Brave words last season about building better attack and defense. Still believe it”.

Doubters everywhere? He doubled down: “Rather than one 40-goal hero, give me multiple scorers”. League form suggests he might be onto something.

French Football’s Salary King

Check these monthly numbers:

Manager	Club	Monthly Salary
Luis Enrique	PSG	€1,000,000
Roberto De Zerbi	Marseille	€550,000
Paulo Fonseca	Lyon	€320,000

Nearly doubles De Zerbi’s €550,000 – PSG’s financial muscle flexing again. February 2025 brought a two-year extension, with Luis Enrique grateful: “Everything at our disposal from day one”.

Matthias Jaissle – Al Ahli (£9.6m)

German wonderkid Matthias Jaissle shatters football’s managerial mold, pocketing £9.6 million yearly at Al Ahli. His salary matches PSG’s Luis Enrique – proof that Saudi football backs bold bets on rising stars.

Football’s Young Money

Thirty-five years young when taking the reins in 2023, Jaissle stands out as this rich list’s baby-faced boss. His £185,000 weekly paycheck puts him shoulder-to-shoulder with football’s elder statesmen. Talk about precocious talent – he beat even Julian Nagelsmann to the big time, taking charge at Salzburg 10 months younger.

Saudi’s Youth Revolution

Saudi Vision 2030 loves young blood. Picture this: 63% of Saudis under 30, hungry for fresh leadership. The Kingdom champions young entrepreneurs and leaders. Jaissle? Their perfect poster boy for ambitious Saudi coaches.

Rocket-Powered Rise

Thank Ralf Rangnick for spotting this gem. Post-playing career, straight into Red Bull’s coaching factory. Salzburg success came quick:

• Back-to-back Austrian league crowns
• Historic Champions League knockout qualification
• Europe’s youngest squad in the competition

Al Ahli struck gold – newly promoted to third place and Asian Champions League football. Not bad for starters.

Money Talks, Timing Walks

Strange days saw his 2026 contract signed. Salzburg let him go one day before their season kicked off. Straight talk from the man himself: “Bad timing? Sure. But this chance? Had to take it. Money played its part too”.

West Ham’s wandering eyes suggest bigger paydays ahead. This young gun’s stock keeps rising.

Jose Mourinho – Fenerbahce (£9.2m)

The Special One lands in Turkey! Jose Mourinho bags £9.2 million yearly at Fenerbahce , making him football’s eighth highest-paid boss. Stock market papers reveal his golden deal – €10.5 million (INR 961.94 million) per season through 2026 .

Special One, Special Payday

Money follows Mourinho everywhere. Sacked? No problem – £55 million in severance checks prove it . His Fenerbahce wages might not match Manchester United’s peak (INR 1265.71 million), but they beat his Roma earnings .

Even his coaching crew cashes in, sharing INR 182.26 million yearly . Trust Jose to negotiate – he’s mastered the art of getting paid, employed or not.

Turkish Football’s Biggest Splash

Fenerbahce broke the bank for their man. Biggest managerial investment in Turkish Super Lig history ? You bet. Club boss Ali Koc outbid everyone, including rivals Besiktas . Ülker Stadium packed just to see him unveiled – pure Mourinho magic .

Box Office Jose

Ten years without a league title? Champions League dreams? Sure. But Mourinho brings more than tactics.

“Watch Turkish football grow in Europe now I’m here,” he declared at his unveiling . First gig outside Europe’s big five since 2004, yet Mourinho’s star power lights up Istanbul.

Brand Mourinho

Love him? Hate him? Can’t ignore him. The Special One’s controversy sells – Fenerbahce’s club shop runs highlight reels of his sideline drama instead of trophy lifts .

One fan nails it: “His hunger matches our club. Pure Fenerbahce spirit” . Tactics matter, but Mourinho’s brand alone justifies that fat paycheck.

Jorge Jesus – Al Hilal (£8.6m)

Portuguese maestro Jorge Jesus pockets £8.6 million yearly at Saudi giants Al Hilal. His £165,000 weekly paycheck ranks him among football’s elite earners beyond European shores.

Saudi’s Bronze Medal Salary

Saudi Pro League’s salary podium tells a story – Jesus takes bronze behind Pioli’s £15.5m and Jaissle’s £9.6m. Saudi football means business, throwing serious money at world-class coaches. The Roshan League’s transformation? Complete. Elite managers now view Saudi Arabia as their next golden destination.

Trophy Cabinet Overflowing

Jesus turned Al Hilal’s millions into silverware:

• Unbeaten champions, Saudi Pro League 2023-24
• Saudi Super Cup glory – smashed Al-Ittihad 4-1
• King Cup triumph over Al-Nassr on penalties
• Record-breaking 96 points, 14 clear at the top
• Century of goals in one season

The crowning glory? Thirty-four straight wins across all competitions. Guinness World Records came calling in May 2024.

Master of Al Hilal

Second time’s the charm. After his 2018-19 spell, Jesus returned to write history. Eighty-one wins in under 100 games makes him Al Hilal’s most decorated boss. Most impressive? He managed this with star man Neymar sidelined for over twelve months.

Golden Handshake

May 2024 brought rewards – fresh contract, fatter paycheck jumping from €11 million to €12.5 million yearly. “All tournaments matter… harvest time begins” declared Jesus. Al Hilal’s mission? Clear as day – rule Saudi Arabia and chase that fifth Asian crown.

Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid (£8.3m)

Real Madrid’s maestro Carlo Ancelotti rounds out our top 10, banking £8.3 million yearly. Strange twist? Football’s most decorated boss sits bottom of our money list.

Trophy King’s Bargain Price

Nobody matches Don Carlo’s value. Madrid’s most successful manager ever with 15 trophies – count them: three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, two La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, two Super Cups, one Intercontinental Cup. Plus a slice of history – first boss to conquer all five top European leagues and grab four Champions League crowns.

Madrid’s Modest Millionaire

Ready for a shocker? Ancelotti slashed his wages 40% to swap Everton’s millions for Madrid’s magic. Takes home €3.5-4 million after tax – pocket change compared to his first Madrid stint. His €11 million (£8.3m) yearly package looks tiny next to Simeone’s £25.9m and Guardiola’s £20.7m.

Royal Philosophy

Madrid plays the prestige card over pure cash. Contract runs to 2026, loaded with trophy bonuses. Smart clause too – Madrid must pay full wages plus another year if they show him the door early. Classic Real style – modest base, massive rewards for glory.

Brand Builder

Ancelotti’s touch turns to gold off the pitch too. Madrid tops world football brands at €1.685 billion, scoring 96.3/100 for brand strength. That beats Google, Coca-Cola, Ferrari, Rolex – the lot. Carlo’s verdict? “Retiring here. Madrid’s my final chapter”. Perfect match – football’s trophy king and its grandest stage.

Money League: Top 10 Highest-Paid Football Managers in 2025

Ready to see who tops football’s managerial money list? From Simeone’s stunning £25.9m to Ancelotti’s modest millions, here’s how the game’s tactical masterminds stack up:

Manager	Current Club	Annual Salary	Contract Until	Notable Recent Achievements	Previous Notable Role
Diego Simeone	Atletico Madrid	£25.9m	2027	8 major honors including 2 La Liga titles (2013-14, 2020-21)	Club Captain at Atletico Madrid
Pep Guardiola	Manchester City	£20.7m	2027	Treble in 2023 (PL, FA Cup, UCL), 72.5% win rate	Barcelona Manager
Mikel Arteta	Arsenal	£15.6m	2027	Club record 28 PL wins, Champions League qualification	Man City Assistant Manager
Stefano Pioli	Al Nassr	£15.5m	2027	62.5% win rate at Al Nassr	AC Milan (Serie A title 2021-22)
David Moyes	Everton	£12.5m	2027	Early positive results including win vs Tottenham	West Ham Manager
Luis Enrique	PSG	£9.6m	Not mentioned	Leading Ligue 1 campaign	Spain National Team
Matthias Jaissle	Al Ahli	£9.6m	2026	Third place finish in Saudi Pro League	RB Salzburg
Jose Mourinho	Fenerbahce	£9.2m	2026	Not mentioned (Recent appointment)	AS Roma
Jorge Jesus	Al Hilal	£8.6m	Not mentioned	34 consecutive wins (World Record), Saudi Pro League title	Fenerbahce
Carlo Ancelotti	Real Madrid	£8.3m	2026	Most successful Real Madrid manager (15 trophies)	Everton

Spot the trends? Premier League bosses grab three of the top five spots, while Saudi Pro League flexes its financial muscle with three representatives. Most fascinating? Real Madrid’s trophy king Ancelotti sits bottom of our rich list!

The Price of Football Glory

Football’s managerial money game hits new heights. Diego Simeone’s £25.9 million salary? Just the beginning. Premier League powerhouses and Saudi’s ambitious spenders now call the shots in football’s financial playground.

Modern football demands more than tactical genius. Today’s elite bosses juggle spreadsheets and strategies, brand building and trophy hunting. Look at Guardiola’s £20.7m City success story. Watch Arteta transform Arsenal’s fortunes for £15.6m. Money talks? These numbers sing.

Saudi Pro League crashes Europe’s party. Three managers – Pioli (£15.5m), Jaissle (£9.6m), and Jesus (£8.6m) – now sit at football’s richest table. Saudi’s message? Clear as desert sky – they’re here to compete, not just spend.

The game’s changed. Winning matches? That’s just half the story. Guardiola and Simeone don’t just lift trophies – they build empires. Yet Real Madrid’s trophy king Ancelotti proves something beautiful: football’s greatest stage still outshines pure gold.

Ready for tomorrow’s twist? These salaries will soar higher. Premier League and Saudi might lead today’s dance, but football’s financial future writes itself in numbers nobody’s seen before. Europe’s old guard? Better watch their wallets – the battle for tactical talent just got serious.

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