Elite soccer managers are now earning record-breaking salaries, highlighting their growing importance in the modern game. As club revenues soar and competition intensifies, top teams—along with ambitious new entrants from emerging leagues—are willing to invest heavily in securing the best tactical minds. This financial shift has led to many top coaches receiving paychecks that rival those of star players, with contracts often including lucrative performance-based bonuses. From Europe’s biggest clubs to ambitious projects in the Middle East, these salary figures underscore the critical role that elite managers play in achieving success on the pitch.
The financial impact is undeniable: leading a club to success at the highest level can be incredibly lucrative for a manager. Those with proven track records of winning titles have leveraged their achievements into massive contracts, while emerging markets, such as Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, have intensified the salary race by attracting renowned coaches with staggering offers. Below is a ranking of the world’s 10 highest-paid soccer managers in the world, detailing their annual earnings, current clubs, contract specifics, tenure, and career background. These figures demonstrate just how much top-tier managers are valued in today’s football landscape.
10. Carlo Ancelotti – Real Madrid ($10.7 Million per year)
Carlo Ancelotti, one of the sport’s most decorated managers, earns approximately $10.7 million annually as Real Madrid’s head coach. Now in his second spell with the club since 2021, Ancelotti has added multiple league and Champions League titles to his resume. His contract runs through the 2023–24 season, after which he is set to take over as Brazil’s national team coach. With over two decades of managerial experience—including successful stints at AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich—Ancelotti’s expertise and leadership justify his high salary.
9. Jorge Jesus – Al Hilal ($11.1 Million per year)
Veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus earns an estimated $11.1 million per year managing Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal. Returning for a second tenure in 2023, he quickly guided the club to an undefeated league title and a domestic Super Cup, securing a contract extension through 2025. Known for his success at Benfica, Sporting CP, and Flamengo (where he won the 2019 Copa Libertadores), Jesus’s high salary reflects Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to attract top footballing talent.
8. José Mourinho – Fenerbahçe ($11.9 Million per year)
Legendary manager José Mourinho now leads Turkish side Fenerbahçe, earning an annual salary of around $11.9 million. After parting ways with AS Roma in mid-2024, Mourinho signed a lucrative two-year deal through 2026. At 62, “The Special One” brings a wealth of experience, having won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, along with domestic titles at Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. Fenerbahçe’s high-stakes investment in Mourinho signals their intent to reclaim Turkish football dominance.
7. Matthias Jaissle – Al Ahli ($12.4 Million per year)
At just 35 years old, Matthias Jaissle is among the youngest coaches in the highest-paid ranks. The German manager, formerly of RB Salzburg, signed a three-year contract with Saudi club Al Ahli in 2023, earning $12.4 million annually. His appointment reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to recruiting top managerial prospects, as Al Ahli aims to establish itself as a dominant force in the Pro League.
6. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain ($12.4 Million per year)
Luis Enrique, the former Spain and Barcelona boss, commands a $12.4 million annual salary at Paris Saint-Germain. Appointed in July 2023, he signed a two-year contract that was later extended until 2027. Best known for leading Barcelona to a historic treble in 2015, Luis Enrique is tasked with guiding PSG to Champions League glory. His high earnings reflect the club’s confidence in his tactical expertise and ability to manage a squad filled with global superstars.
5. David Moyes – Everton ($16.2 Million per year)
David Moyes made a surprise entry into the top five highest-paid managers, earning approximately $16.2 million per year after rejoining Everton in early 2025. Following the club’s ownership change and managerial overhaul, Moyes was brought back to stabilize the team and prepare for its move into a new stadium. Having previously managed Everton for over a decade and recently winning a European trophy with West Ham, Moyes’s lucrative contract underscores Everton’s commitment to long-term stability.
4. Stefano Pioli – Al Nassr ($20 Million per year)
After guiding AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, Stefano Pioli secured a lucrative move to Saudi club Al Nassr in 2024, where he now earns $20 million annually. His appointment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to elevate its domestic league by recruiting elite coaches and players. Tasked with managing global stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Pioli’s deal runs through 2027, reflecting Al Nassr’s faith in his ability to deliver silverware.
3. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal ($20.2 Million per year)
Mikel Arteta has rapidly ascended the managerial ranks, now earning $20.2 million per year after signing a contract extension with Arsenal in late 2024. Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has overseen a resurgence at the club, winning the FA Cup in 2020 and leading Arsenal to title contention. His new deal, which runs through 2027, signifies the club’s long-term commitment to his vision and coaching philosophy.
2. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City ($26.8 Million per year)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers, Pep Guardiola earns approximately $26.8 million per year at Manchester City. Having led the club to five Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph in 2023, Guardiola extended his contract in late 2024 through 2027. His decade-long tenure at City has reshaped modern football tactics, and his salary reflects his unparalleled success and influence on the game.
1. Diego Simeone – Atlético Madrid ($37 Million per year)
Topping the list is Diego Simeone, who continues to command the highest salary of any football manager at $37 million per year. Since taking charge of Atlético Madrid in 2011, Simeone has transformed the club into a consistent title contender, winning multiple La Liga titles and European trophies. His fiery leadership and tactical discipline have made him indispensable to Atlético, and his long-term contract extension through 2027 ensures he remains the highest-paid coach in world football.
Final Thoughts
The escalating salaries of top soccer managers reflect their growing influence in shaping a team’s success. As clubs across Europe and the Middle East continue to invest heavily in elite coaching talent, the financial rewards for managers have never been higher. With salaries now rivaling those of star players, top-tier managers have solidified their status as the most crucial figures in modern football.
