Top 20 Football Managers in the World for 2026

The football world is home to many remarkable managers today. Some have vast experience and countless trophies, still hungry to claim the sport's biggest prizes. Others are rising stars who recently transitioned from players to coaches, eager to leave their mark.

With the 2025-26 season behind us and the 2026 World Cup underway, managers of leading clubs and national teams have a prime chance to build on their legacies. This updated ranking of the top 20 football managers considers several factors:

• Trophies won
• Recent success
• Longevity in management
• Performance relative to expectations
• International managers and those currently unemployed are ranked lower due to fewer recent matches

20. Andoni Iraola – Liverpool

Many were surprised when Bournemouth replaced Gary O'Neil with Andoni Iraola, a relatively unknown figure. After stabilizing Bournemouth in the Premier League and benefiting from new signings, Iraola’s leadership led to the club’s highest-ever points tally, surpassing former coach Eddie Howe’s achievements and securing Europa League qualification. Now at Liverpool on a two-year deal, it remains to be seen how his approach will translate at Anfield.

19. Christian Chivu – Inter Milan

Chivu, a Romanian legend and former Inter player, stepped into coaching with promising results. After managing Parma and ensuring their survival, he took over Inter following Simone Inzaghi's departure. Winning the Serie A title last season boosted his standing, and he has plenty of time to grow as a manager.

18. Luis de la Fuente – Spain

Rising through Spain’s youth ranks, Luis de la Fuente earned the senior role in 2022 and quickly impressed. Spain’s dominant Euro 2024 campaign, winning all seven matches including a 2-1 final victory over England, marked a high point. With a talented young squad, de la Fuente looks set to lead Spain’s international dominance going forward.

17. Enzo Maresca – Manchester City

Taking over from Pep Guardiola, Enzo Maresca brings past success like a Club World Cup and Europa Conference League win. His exit from Chelsea raised questions about his relations with club officials, yet Manchester City's support could allow him to thrive. If he balances tournament expertise with league consistency, his rank could rise sharply.

16. Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti stands out as one of the few to win the European Cup as both player and manager. Since starting in 1995, he has won league titles across four major European leagues and claimed five Champions League trophies, making him the competition's most successful coach. Now managing Brazil, his challenge is to restore their former glory. Despite recent setbacks, including Brazil’s exit in the Round of 16, his legacy remains immense.

15. Jose Mourinho – Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho's trophy haul spans Portugal, England, and beyond, earning him recognition as a tactical genius. His recent years saw less success at Fenerbahce and Benfica before taking the reins at Real Madrid in summer 2026. Managing a squad full of strong personalities will test his ability to reclaim silverware with the Spanish giants.

14. Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone has been a fixture among Europe’s elite managers for nearly a decade. Atletico consistently challenge for La Liga and Champions League honors under his pragmatic style. Earning £25.9 million annually, no manager commands a higher salary. While trophies have become scarce lately, Atletico’s Champions League semi-final run and victories over Barcelona show his continued impact.

13. Simone Inzaghi – Al-Hilal

Inzaghi’s tenure at Inter Milan was impressive, winning Serie A and nearly capturing the Champions League twice. His 5-0 loss to PSG in 2025 led to a move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. They shocked many by eliminating Manchester City from the Club World Cup, but missing out on European titles restricts his ranking upward.

12. Xabi Alonso – Chelsea

After an outstanding spell at Bayer Leverkusen that included breaking Bayern Munich’s dominance and winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, Alonso earned a move to Real Madrid. Though his time at the Bernabeu was cut short, he's set to begin at Chelsea next season, viewed as one of the brightest young managerial talents worldwide.

11. Jurgen Klopp – Germany

Klopp returned to management with Germany after a break, following mixed results at Euro 2024 and a World Cup exit on penalties to Paraguay. Known for extracting maximum effort from his teams despite fewer resources, his charisma and leadership remain assets. Expectations are high for him to rebuild the national side's fortunes.