Managing a top football club is no easy feat. The job comes with immense pressure from fans, the board, and players alike. The best football managers in the world not only justify their hefty salaries with results but have often earned that reputation over decades of success.
With player salaries rising dramatically, manager wages have also followed suit. Elite clubs are willing to spend big on proven leadership to deliver trophies and maintain consistent performance.In this article, we rank the *top 10 highest-paid football managers in the world in 2025*, featuring names from the Premier League to the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League.
*How We Ranked the Managers*
We used the following criteria to determine the list:
Annual Base Salary Only: We excluded bonuses and performance-related incentives to focus solely on fixed wages.
No Performance Bonuses Included: This ensured a fair comparison, as bonuses vary widely by league competitiveness.
Club and League Financial Power: Wealthier clubs tend to offer higher wages.
Contract Length & Stability: Long-term deals often come with higher salaries due to trust and consistency.
Marketability: A manager's global brand and media appeal can significantly impact salary negotiations.
*Top 10 Highest-Paid Managers in Football (2025)*
*Note: All figures represent annual base salary and exclude bonuses or incentives.*
10. Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid – £8.3 Million.
One of football’s most decorated managers, Ancelotti has won 15 trophies with Real Madrid, including the 2023–24 La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League. Despite his success, Real Madrid tends to prioritize player wages over managerial salaries.Ancelotti is set to take charge of the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup, turning down a one-year extension from Madrid.
9. José Mourinho – Fenerbahçe – £9.2 Million.
"The Special One" joined Turkish side Fenerbahçe in a surprise move, tasked with challenging Galatasaray’s domestic dominance. His global reputation and past achievements, including a UCL win with Porto,
keep his value high even in less prominent leagues.Despite finishing second in the Turkish Super Lig and an early Europa League exit, Mourinho’s contract runs through 2026.
8. Matthias Jaissle – Al Ahli – £9.6 Million.
At just 36, Jaissle is one of the youngest and most unexpected names on this list. With limited experience before joining Al Ahli, his high salary reflects the Saudi Pro League’s investment in future
potential and global relevance.Currently, Al Ahli sits 5th in the league under his leadership.
7. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain – £9.6 Million.
Enrique faces intense pressure at PSG, where domestic success is expected, and the Champions League remains the ultimate goal. After a strong UCL run in 2024–25, his salary is justified by past success
(including a treble with Barcelona) and PSG’s financial muscle.
6. David Moyes – Everton – £12.5 Million.
Back at Everton after a rough start under Sean Dyche, Moyes has lifted the club out of the relegation zone and up to 16th in the table. His return brings stability, and the Premier League’s financial power ensures he earns significantly more than during his time at West Ham.
5. Stefano Pioli – Al Nassr – £15.5 Million.
Despite mixed results—including 27 wins in 43 games—Pioli’s high salary at Al Nassr underscores the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive push for recognition. The club is currently 4th in the table, and reports
suggest Pioli may be dismissed after a trophyless season.
4. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal – £15.6 Million.
Arteta has turned Arsenal into genuine contenders again. While he has yet to win the Premier League or Champions League, his leadership, tactical growth, and long-term contract until 2027 have earned him a top spot on this list. Arsenal currently sit 2nd in the league.
3. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – £20.7 Million.
With six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, Guardiola is arguably the most influential manager of the past decade. His record-breaking achievements at Manchester City fully justify his
massive salary. His contract runs until 2027.
2. Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid – £25.9 Million.
A defensive mastermind, Simeone has twice won La Liga and reached two UCL finals with Atletico. His long-term stay and deep influence on the club have earned him a staggering £25.9 million salary—among the highest in world football.
1. Simone Inzaghi – Al Hilal – £26 Million
After parting ways with Inter Milan in June 2025, Inzaghi was quickly snapped up by Saudi giants Al Hilal. His three-year deal sees him become the highest-paid manager in football. The club hopes his
arrival will bring success at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
From experienced legends to rising stars, the world's highest-paid football managers reflect a mix of past glory, current potential, and commercial value. With leagues like the Saudi Pro League disrupting
traditional football economics, expect this list to keep evolving rapidly.
Rank Manager Club Salary (Base)
1 Simone Inzaghi Al Hilal £26.0 Million
2 Diego Simeone Atletico Madrid £25.9 Million
3 Pep Guardiola Manchester City £20.7 Million
4 Mikel Arteta Arsenal £15.6 Million
5 Stefano Pioli Al Nassr £15.5 Million
6 David Moyes Everton £12.5 Million
7 Luis Enrique PSG £9.6 Million
8 Matthias Jaissle Al Ahli £9.6 Million
9 José Mourinho Fenerbahçe £9.2 Million
10 Carlo Ancelotti Real Madrid £8.3 Million