Managing a football team is an extremely challenging and demanding job. It comes with tremendous pressure and often offers few rewards unless the manager retires or resigns. Otherwise, they risk being sacked as soon as results fail to meet expectations. However, if they possess the skills to manage at the highest level, they can earn exceptionally high salaries. If you assume that Pep Guardiola is the highest-paid manager, you are mistaken. In today's article, Wintips admin will share with you the list of the highest paid managers football in the world.
Top 10 highest paid managers football on the world
1. Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid - £30m/year)
It may come as a surprise to many that Atletico Madrid's head coach, Diego Simeone, is the highest-paid coach in the world—by a significant margin. He has twice outperformed Barcelona and Real Madrid to win the La Liga title, in 2013/14 and 2020/21. In recent years, he has faced some challenges, and this season, Atleti is trailing behind the top teams in La Liga.
However, that has not diminished the impact of Simeone’s work since he arrived at Los Colchoneros. Despite the disappointing failure to secure the Champions League title in 2015-16, he has consistently challenged Spain’s two footballing giants. Atletico’s management secured his long-term commitment in November 2023 by extending his contract until 2027, making him the highest-paid coach in football.
2. Pep Guardiola (Man City - £20m/year) - One of the highest paid managers football
Pep Guardiola is among the most renowned football coaches globally. He is renowned for his attacking tactical philosophy and his ability to provide invaluable guidance to his players. Guardiola’s salary is astonishing, leaving many in disbelief. According to recent reports, his monthly salary at Manchester City stands at 1.89 million euros.
With this salary, Guardiola ranks among the highest-paid coaches in the world. However, to justify this salary, Guardiola has had to endure incredibly intense matches in the English Premier League and other competitions. Although Guardiola's salary may seem high, it reflects his outstanding track record.
3. Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool - £16m/year) - One of the highest paid managers football
Since joining Liverpool in 2015, Klopp has transformed the team into a formidable force in the English Premier League. Klopp guided Liverpool to UEFA Champions League glory in 2019 and has since led them to the top of the Premier League table. Under Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool has secured multiple major titles.
He has achieved success not only in the Premier League but also in other competitions such as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. With such achievements, it is no surprise that he is among the highest-paid coaches in the world. Moreover, despite receiving numerous offers from other clubs, he chose to remain at Liverpool due to his deep connection and loyalty to the club.
4. Steven Gerrard (Al Ettifaq - £15.2m/year)
Before signing a contract extension in early 2024, Gerrard endured a winless streak with Al-Ettifaq, facing increasing pressure as the Liverpool legend. This explains why his contract renewal and salary raise came as a shock to the football community.
The new deal indicates that he has time to turn the situation around, and Gerrard has begun to repay the trust placed in him by the club's leadership. Al-Ettifaq's form after the winter break has been impressive, and everyone involved hopes that Gerrard will continue to bring out the best in his players.
5. Max Allegri (Juventus - £11.3m/year) - Among the highest paid managers football
Massimiliano Allegri is widely regarded as one of the most talented coaches in Italian football history. He has played a crucial role in keeping Juventus at the top of the league for many consecutive years. Given his impressive track record, it is no surprise that Allegri commands a substantial salary.
However, this salary is justified by Allegri’s achievements and efforts. Throughout his career, he has secured numerous titles, including five Serie A championships, four domestic cups, and two Champions League trophies. Additionally, Allegri has successfully built a stronger Juventus team. Through effective financial management and strategic transfers, the club has solidified its position as one of the strongest teams in Europe.
6. Thomas Tuchel (Bayern Munich - £10.6m/year) - Among the highest paid managers football
Tuchel’s appointment came as a shock after Julian Nagelsmann left the club in early 2023. The German coach was unexpectedly dismissed by Chelsea in 2022 and is now set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the 2023-24 season following a disappointing run of results.
Despite their efforts to secure the Bundesliga title after a dramatic final day of the 2022-23 season, Tuchel and Bayern have yet to reach their peak performance. After being knocked out of the German Cup by third-tier Saarbruecken in November 2023, they also find themselves trailing behind Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga standings.
7. Mauricio Pochettino (Chelsea - £10.4m/year)
Under Todd Boehly's ownership, Chelsea have shown no hesitation in spending money, and Boehly rewarded Pochettino with an enticing salary of £10.4 million per year upon appointing him as head coach in 2023. The former Spurs manager has had to trim the squad this season, yet the West London side continues to underperform despite the wealth of talent at their disposal.
At the very least, things are looking somewhat more positive compared to the tenure of Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard during the 2022/23 season. Pochettino believes that The Blues are still competing for European qualification this season, as well as the FA Cup, and he remains hopeful of making this season memorable for his new team.
8. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid - £9.6m/year) - One of the highest paid managers football
Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most successful football managers in the world, possessing vast experience in coaching and managing elite football clubs. His managerial career began with stints at several prestigious clubs, including AC Milan and Chelsea, and he is currently in charge of Real Madrid. This is a substantial salary, even by the standards of elite football managers. However, this does not mean he is undeserving of such a salary.
Ancelotti's impressive track record speaks for itself. He has secured numerous domestic league titles and European trophies throughout his illustrious managerial career. His ability to handle star-studded squads and excel under high-pressure situations has garnered him immense respect and admiration across the football world. Thus, his salary reflects both his managerial expertise and the immense value he brings to Real Madrid.
9. Erik ten Hag (Man Utd - £9m/year) - One of the highest paid managers football
The role of Manchester United manager has always been one of the most lucrative in world football, so it comes as no surprise to see Ten Hag among the highest earners—though some may question whether he will retain his position by the end of the season.
Following a promising first year in which the Red Devils qualified for the Champions League and won the League Cup under his stewardship, the club has experienced a decline in the 2023-24 season. Having been eliminated from the Champions League and struggling to break back into the top four after a lackluster first half of the season, reports surfaced in January suggesting that the United dressing room was divided over Ten Hag. Given the substantial salary he earns at Old Trafford, his fortunes may soon change.
10. Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan - £8.8m/year)
Following several disappointing years, Inter Milan has reclaimed its place at the pinnacle of Italian and European football, with Inzaghi playing a pivotal role in this resurgence. Since arriving in 2021, the tactician has asserted his authority over the team, leading the Nerazzurri to multiple domestic cup victories and steering them to the final of the 2022-23 Champions League.
Inzaghi's contract at San Siro is set to expire in 2025, and there is little doubt that he will be offered an extension—especially if he manages to secure the league title this season. If he secures a new deal, it may come with a substantial salary increase—potentially elevating him into the ranks of the top 10 highest-paid managers.
Conclusion
The above article from the sports bookmaker website has shared with you information about the 10 highest paid managers football. We hope this article helps you gain a deeper understanding of the most talented managers in the football world. If you are a football fan, you should take these insights into account to engage more effectively with football and related activities. Visit the Wintips website to discover more exciting content.
See also: Top 10 best soccer managers all of time in the world
