Top 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Coaches: Mikel Arteta’s New Arsenal Deal Highlights Rising Salaries

The gap between the richest clubs and their competition continues to widen, especially when it comes to paying managers. The biggest names in coaching are drawing larger salaries as teams try to keep their top leaders or attract big names from elsewhere.

This report highlights the highest-paid club soccer managers worldwide, following Mikel Arteta's recent new contract with Arsenal, reportedly featuring a notable salary boost.

Who Earns the Most Among Club Soccer Managers?

Simone Inzaghi of Al Hilal now leads the list, earning €26 million annually (£22.3m / $29.8m). His lucrative deal came after moving from Inter Milan, where he was already well compensated.

Formerly second was Pep Guardiola during his final years at Manchester City, but after his departure post-2025/26 season, Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid steps into that spot. Simeone, deeply respected by fans for over a decade with the club, accepted a pay cut in 2023 to help Atletico's finances. His achievements include eight trophies, two La Liga titles, and two Champions League finals appearances.

Third on the list is Luis Enrique of PSG, who recently secured a new contract with a large salary increase.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Club Soccer Coaches

• Manager: Simone Inzaghi | Club: Al Hilal | Salary: £22.3m / $29.8m | Contract until: July 2027
• Manager: Diego Simeone | Club: Atletico Madrid | Salary: £20.1m / $26.8m | Contract until: July 2027
• Manager: Luis Enrique | Club: PSG | Salary: £17.2m / $22.9m | Contract until: July 2030
• Manager: Mikel Arteta | Club: Arsenal | Salary: £15m / $20m* | Contract until: July 2030*
• Manager: Oliver Glasner | Club: Nottingham Forest | Salary: £13m / $17.4m | Contract until: July 2029
• Manager: Jose Mourinho | Club: Real Madrid | Salary: £12m / $16m | Contract until: July 2029
• Manager: Ange Postecoglou | Club: Al Nassr | Salary: £11.7m / $15.6m | Contract until: July 2028
• Manager: Xabi Alonso | Club: Chelsea | Salary: £11.5m / $15.4m | Contract until: July 2030
• Manager: Luciano Spalletti | Club: Juventus | Salary: £11.2m / $14.9m | Contract until: July 2028
• Manager: Enzo Maresca | Club: Manchester City | Salary: £10m / $13.3m | Contract until: July 2029

*Sources suggest Arteta’s pay exceeds previous figures, but full details remain undisclosed, including contract length.

Mikel Arteta’s New Arsenal Contract

On September 22, 2026, it was confirmed that Mikel Arteta signed a fresh deal with Arsenal. While specific terms weren’t initially revealed, insights from BBC’s Sami Mokbel hint that the contract extends through at least the 2029/30 season, marking around 10 years since Arteta joined in December 2019.

Though exact salary figures aren't official yet, Arteta likely ranks among the top earners globally, possibly third or fourth. Mokbel notes Arteta received a substantial raise from his previous £10 million base salary plus £5 million in bonuses.