Football managers at the highest level are always under immense pressure to achieve success. Failure to do so regularly attracts criticism from fans and the media alike, which is why the best managers are also the highest paid in the world.
Managers’ salaries are often determined by competetions, team finances, club status, as well as managerial experience, competency and success.
Furthermore, determination to win major titles, like the FIFA World Cup at international level, and the UEFA Champions League at club level, ensures that elite managers are always in demand.
The race for recruiting elite managers is no longer limited to European clubs; as Saudi Arabian clubs, armed with immense wealth, now equally jostle to attract top managerial talents.
FootballOrbit brings you the top 10 highest paid soccer managers in the world for the year 2025.
NOTE: Only BASE SALARIES were considered for this ranking, with bonuses and other incentives excluded.
1. Diego Simeone – Athletico Madrid (£30.1 million)
Diego Simeone accepted a pay cut to sign a contract extension in November 2023 that will see him remain at Atletico Madrid till 2027.
The contract saw the Argentine become the highest paid football manager on the planet, earning €35 million (£30.1m) per year.
The 54-year-old is the longest-serving coach in Europe’s major leagues, having been at the club since 2011.
He has won 8 trophies for the club, including two La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021 — as well as two Europa League triumphs in 2012 and 2018.
Furthermore, Simeone guided Atletico to two Champions League finals. His success has ensured he remains the best-paid soccer manager for the past SIX years.
2. Simone Inzaghi — Al-Hilal (£22.4 million)
Earlier this summer, Simone Inzhagi departed Inter Milan for Saudi Arabian giants, Al-Hilal.
He signed a two-year deal worth €26 million (£22.4m) per season, making him the second highest paid head coach in world football.
The Italian had taken charge of Inter in 2021 and led them to a Serie A title, two Coppa Italy trophies and three Supercoppa Italiana successes.
However, his final season was disappointing as the Nerrazurri were pipped to the championship by Napoli and embarrassed by PSG in the Champions League final.
Inzaghi has quickly settled at Al-Hilal as he led them to a stunning victory over Manchester City at the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup.
3. Pep Guardiola — Manchester City (£20 million)
Pep Guardiola is the highest paid manager in the Premier League.
In November 2024, he signed a new two-year contract with City which will run until 2027.
Moreover, the Spaniard joined City in 2016 and has won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles (four consecutively), as well as the club’s first Champions League title.
4. Mikel Arteta — Arsenal (£15.6 million)
In September 2024, Mikel Arteta signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal.
The Spaniard was set to be out of contract at the end of last season, but committed to a deal until 2027.
The Gunners appointed Arteta, who was working as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, to replace compatriot Unai Emery as manager in December 2019.
Despite picking up just an FA Cup and two Community Shields in his five seasons, the Spaniard has undoubtedly earned his stripes as one of the best managers in the world.
Moreso, Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League in the past three seasons as the 43-year-old tries to steer the club to their first top-flight title since 2003-04.
5. David Moyes — Everton (£12.5 million)
A surprising inclusion….
Sitting 16th in the Premier League and just one point outside of the relegation zone, Everton appointed David Moyes in January this year.
The veteran manager was offered £12.5 million per annum after making an emotional return to his former club.
He quickly turn things around and steered the club away from relegation by the end of the season.
Moreover, Moyes previously spent 11 years in charge at Goodison Park before leaving for Manchester United in 2013, leading Everton to the 2009 FA Cup final and to a 4th placed finish in 2005.
6. Luis Enrique — PSG (£10.3 million)
Luis Enrique joined PSG in July 2023 and won a domestic treble in his first season, also reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Last season, he led them to a historic quadraple, that included the club’s first ever UEFA Champions League triumph.
The Spaniard earns €12 million (£10.3 million) at the Parc de Princes, but his recent successes may earn him a significant pay rise.
7. Matthias Jaissle — Al-Ahli (£10.3 million)
Matthias Jaissle won two Austrian Championships and one Austrian Cup with RB Salzburg, and led the club to the UEFA Champions League knockout stage for the first time ever in the 2021/22 season.
He was regarded as one of the brightest young managers in Europe, but he made a sensational move to Al-Ahli in 2023 that has him earning £10.3 million per year.
Jaissle led Al-Ahli to win the AFC Champions League earlier this year.
8. Jose Mourinho — Fenerbahce (£9.6 million)
One of the most decorated managers in soccer history, Jose Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in 2024.
Furthermore, to lure the legendary Portuguese to Turkey, the club made him one of the highest paid managers in the world.
9. Carlo Ancelotti — Brazil (£9.4 million)
Carlo Ancelotti departed Real Madrid at the end of the season to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.
He is tasked with leading the Selecao to victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next year.
The Italian earns £9.4 million in Brazil, making him the highest paid national team manager in the world.
10. Laurent Blanc — Al-Ittihad (£8.6m)
Laurent Blanc earns £8.6m per annum at Saudi Arabian side, Al-Ittihad.
He began his managerial career at Bordeaux in 2007, winning domestic honours including the 2008/09 Ligue 1 title.
After leaving Bordeaux in 2010, he became the manager of the French national team until 2012, and led his country to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2012.
In 2013, Blanc joined PSG, where he won 11 trophies, including two domestic doubles. After three successful years, he left the club in June 2016, and was hired by Al-Rayyan in 2020.
Following more than six years without coaching in Europe, he was appointed manager by Lyon in October 2022, but he was sacked the following year and in 2024 became the manager of Al-Ittihad.
Highest paid football managers in the world 2025 (11 to 21)
- Unai Emery — Aston Villa (£8m)
- Vincent Kompany — Bayern Munich (£7.8m)
- Xabi Alonso — Real Madrid (£6.7m)
- Ruben Amorim — Man United (£6.7m)
- Arne Slot — Liverpool (£6.4m)
- Thomas Tuchel — England (£6m)
- Antonio Conte — Napoli (£5.6m)
- Mauricio Pochettino — USA (£5.1m)
- Oliver Glasner — Crystal Palace (£4.6m)
- Massimiliano Allegri — AC Milan (£4.3m)
- Enzo Maresca — Chelsea (£4.2m)
