The 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Coaches In The World.
Soccer's top managers are commanding enormous salaries, highlighting their crucial role in the modern game. With sky-high club revenues and fierce competition, elite coaches are now earning paychecks on par with the star players themselves. The importance of a great coach is undeniable; their strategic minds and leadership skills can make or break a club’s success.
The following list showcases the 10 highest-paid managers as of early 2025, with salaries reflecting the immense value these tacticians bring to the pitch. These figures, all annual salaries, underline how valuable top managers are in world football.
10. Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid – $10.7 million/year
Carlo Ancelotti remains one of the most respected figures in football, having guided multiple top clubs to glory over a managerial career spanning over two decades. Now in his second stint at Real Madrid, Ancelotti’s current contract earns him $10.7 million per year and runs through the 2023–24 season. Under his leadership, Madrid has captured numerous league titles and Champions League trophies. Ancelotti is set to take over Brazil’s national team after his Madrid tenure. His extensive experience justifies his salary, which reflects his proven track record in European football.
9. Jorge Jesus – Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) – $11.1 million/year
Jorge Jesus earns $11.1 million annually as head coach of Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Jesus returned to the club for a second spell in 2023, leading them to an undefeated league title and a domestic Super Cup. Known for his successful European stints with Benfica and Sporting CP, Jesus’s contract extension with Al Hilal in May 2024 further solidified his high standing in world football coaching. The lucrative deal underlines Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to elevate the standard of their league and secure global managerial talent.
8. José Mourinho – Fenerbahçe (Turkey) – $11.9 million/year
José Mourinho, the self-proclaimed "Special One," earns around $11.9 million annually at Fenerbahçe in Turkey. Mourinho joined the club in mid-2024 on a two-year contract, following a successful tenure at AS Roma. Known for his trophy-laden career, including Champions League victories with Porto and Inter Milan, Mourinho is tasked with reviving Fenerbahçe’s fortunes. His salary reflects both his legendary status and the high expectations placed upon him to restore the club to prominence. Mourinho’s presence has certainly energized the club and its fans, and he’ll be well-compensated for his efforts.
7. Matthias Jaissle – Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia) – $12.4 million/year
At just 35 years old, Matthias Jaissle has already become one of the world’s highest-paid managers, earning $12.4 million annually with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The German manager was poached from RB Salzburg in 2023 after impressing with his tactical nous and success in Austria. Al Ahli, newly promoted to the Saudi Pro League, lured Jaissle with an eye-catching contract, which underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition in football. Jaissle’s modern tactical approach and impressive potential have made him one of the most sought-after young managers in the game.
6. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain – $12.4 million/year
Luis Enrique, the former Spain and Barcelona manager, now leads Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at a salary of $12.4 million per year. Since taking over in 2023, Enrique has brought his tactical flair to the French giants, with PSG extending his contract until 2027 after impressing with his early results. Known for his attacking style and success at Barcelona, Enrique is tasked with delivering PSG’s long-sought Champions League glory. His sizable salary reflects both his pedigree and the immense potential PSG sees in him to finally conquer Europe.
5. David Moyes – Everton – $16.2 million/year
David Moyes, now in charge of Everton, earns $16.2 million per year, a salary that reflects his value and expertise. Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, taking over during a difficult period for the club. With his successful track record, including winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham in 2023, Moyes’s pay mirrors Everton’s belief in his ability to stabilize and rebuild the club as they move into a new stadium. His deep connection with the club, combined with his experience, makes him a key figure in Everton’s future.
4. Stefano Pioli – Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) – $20.0 million/year
Stefano Pioli moved from AC Milan to Al Nassr in 2024, signing a three-year deal worth approximately $20 million per year. Pioli's salary reflects his achievements with Milan, where he led the club to their first Serie A title in 11 years. His new challenge in Saudi Arabia sees him managing international stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo. Pioli’s hefty salary highlights both his pedigree and Saudi Arabia’s investment in their domestic league’s growth. His task is clear: bring silverware to Al Nassr and solidify their position as one of Asia’s top clubs.
3. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal – $20.2 million/year
Mikel Arteta has quickly risen to one of the highest-paid managerial positions in the world, earning $20.2 million annually at Arsenal. After taking over in 2019, Arteta rejuvenated the club, leading them to an FA Cup victory in 2020 and guiding them to a near-miss in the Premier League title race. In late 2024, Arsenal rewarded him with a significant pay raise, reflecting the club’s long-term confidence in his leadership. With Arteta at the helm, Arsenal is poised to challenge for major trophies, and the club’s investment in him underscores their trust in his vision for the future.
2. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City – $26.8 million/year
Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managers of all time, earns $26.8 million per year at Manchester City. Guardiola’s impact at City since 2016 is undeniable: he has won five Premier League titles and led them to a historic Champions League victory in 2023. City’s long-term investment in Guardiola is reflected in his lucrative new contract, extending through 2027. His success and tactical brilliance have transformed City into a dominant force, and his salary mirrors his global stature. Under his guidance, City continues to pursue both domestic and international glory, with Guardiola at the heart of their continued success.
1. Diego Simeone – Atlético de Madrid – $37 million/year
Diego Simeone, the longest-serving and most successful manager in Atlético Madrid’s history, tops the list with a staggering $37 million annual salary. Simeone’s leadership has been instrumental in Atlético’s rise to prominence, including winning two La Liga titles and consistently challenging Europe’s elite clubs. Despite taking a pay cut in 2023 to assist with Atlético’s finances, Simeone remains the highest-paid coach in the world. His salary is a reflection of his incredible tenure and the club’s immense reliance on his expertise. Simeone’s fiery leadership style and tactical acumen have made Atlético a force to be reckoned with in European football.
Conclusion
The increasing salaries for soccer coaches illustrate the growing importance of managerial prowess in football. These coaches are not only tactical masterminds but also key figures in driving their clubs’ success, often taking on immense pressure and responsibility. Clubs worldwide are investing heavily in their managers, recognizing that top leadership is essential to achieving glory.
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From veteran icons like Simeone and Guardiola to younger talents like Jaissle and Arteta, it’s clear that the value of a great manager in today’s footballing world is unmatched, and their salaries reflect that undeniable influence.
