Top 30 Highest-Paid Football Managers Worldwide in 2026

Managing a football team is a tough role that demands immense pressure and often little gratitude. Many managers face dismissal if results drop, yet those who reach the elite level receive huge paychecks. The financial landscape of football keeps expanding, especially with Saudi Pro League clubs offering enormous contracts to attract top coaching talent.

Here’s a breakdown of the 30 highest-paid football managers around the globe, covering international and club competitions like the Champions League.

Managers Ranked 30th to 11th by Salary

Some notable names just outside the top 10 include Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, earning £5 million annually, tied with coaches like Michael Carrick at Manchester United, David Moyes at Everton, and Frank Lampard at Coventry City.

Matthias Jaissle of Newcastle United and Vincent Kompany of Bayern Munich both earn £6 million per year. Tottenham’s Roberto De Zerbi and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery pocket £8 million each, while Carlo Ancelotti manages Brazil with an £8.1 million salary.

• 30. Okan Buruk - Galatasaray - £4.2m
• 29. Nuno Espirito Santo - West Ham - £4.5m
• 28. Frank Lampard - Coventry City - £5m
• 27. Michael Carrick - Manchester United - £5m
• 26. David Moyes - Everton - £5m
• 25. Thomas Tuchel - England - £5m
• 24. Manuel Pellegrini - Real Betis - £5.1m
• 23. Mauricio Pochettino - USA - £5.1m
• 22. Maurizio Sarri - Atalanta - £5.3m
• 21. Matthias Jaissle - Newcastle United - £6m
• 20. Vincent Kompany - Bayern Munich - £6m
• 19. Cristian Chivu - Inter Milan - £6.3m
• 18. Ruben Amorim - AC Milan - £6.3m
• 17. Hansi Flick - Barcelona - £6.4m
• 16. Massimiliano Allegri - Napoli - £7.1m
• 15. Gian Piero Gasperini - AS Roma - £7.9m
• 14. Roberto De Zerbi - Tottenham - £8m
• 13. Unai Emery - Aston Villa - £8m
• 12. Carlo Ancelotti - Brazil - £8.1m
• 11. Luciano Spalletti - Juventus - £9.5m

The Top Ten Highest-Paid Managers

• 10. Enzo Maresca - Manchester City - £10mMaresca took on the tough job of following Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. With a star-studded squad, the pressure to win trophies immediately is high. He earns £10 million annually.
• 9. Andoni Iraola - Liverpool - £10mIraola signed a £10 million-a-year deal despite limited experience managing clubs of Liverpool’s stature. His contract exceeds his predecessor Arne Slot's pay by nearly £4 million.
• 8. Ange Postecoglou - Al-Nassr - £10mAfter a rough spell at Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou secured a £10 million yearly contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr, coaching stars like Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
• 7. Luis Enrique - Paris Saint-Germain - £10.2mKnown for success with Barcelona, Enrique has led PSG to a Ligue 1 title and their first major trophy with a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. His salary is £10.2 million, with a new contract expected soon.
• 6. Jose Mourinho - Real Madrid - £10.2mMourinho returned to Real Madrid after compensation was paid to Benfica. Previously successful at Madrid, winning La Liga with a record 100 points, he now commands £10.2 million annually.
• 5. Xabi Alonso - Chelsea - £11.5mChelsea’s American owners have invested heavily, including Alonso’s £11.5 million salary, making him the highest-paid manager in the Premier League. His tenure carries risks after prior disagreements at Real Madrid.
• 4. Oliver Glasner - Nottingham Forest - £13mAfter FA Cup and Europa Conference League success with Crystal Palace, Glasner joined Nottingham Forest with a £13 million yearly wage to help them avoid relegation threats.
• 3. Mikel Arteta - Arsenal - £15mArteta is the fifth highest-paid manager worldwide, earning £15 million annually following a three-year extension. He transformed Arsenal, leading them to Premier League glory after 22 years and a strong Champions League run.
• 2. Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid - £20.1mOnce the highest-paid manager globally, Simeone now ranks second with £20.1 million. Known for multiple La Liga titles and two Champions League finals, he signed a four-year extension in 2023 with a pay cut.
• 1. Simone Inzaghi - Al-Hilal - £22.2mInzaghi earned acclaim at Inter Milan with Serie A and domestic cups, plus Champions League final appearances. Now at Al-Hilal, he is the world’s highest-paid manager, making £22.2 million annually.

Salary data is based on leaks and accurate as of August 29, 2026.