Soccer isn’t just about thrilling fans—it’s also a fortune generator, and elite coaches know it well. As clubs push for peak performance, coaching salaries have soared, now comparable to those of top players.
Figures like Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Diego Simeone with Atlético Madrid and Mikel Arteta at Arsenal not only face the constant pressure to deliver results but are also in the spotlight when things go south.
The list of the world’s highest-paid coaches features a select group that blends tactical skill and results. These teams invest millions to retain their strategic leaders. Here’s a look at who makes the cut, according to Front Office Sports…
The 17 highest-paid soccer coaches
| Rank | Coach | Team | Salary |
| 1 | Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid | $33.5 million |
| 2 | Pep Guardiola | Manchester City | $26.8 million |
| 3 | Mikel Arteta | Arsenal | $20.2 million |
| 4 | Stefano Pioli | Al Nassr | $20.03 million |
| 5 | David Moyes | Everton | $16.2 million |
| 6 | Luis Enrique | Paris St Germain | $12.4 million |
| 7 | Jose Mourinho | Fenerbahce | $11.9 million |
| 8 | Jorge Jesus | Al-Hilal | $11.1 million |
| 9 | Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid | $10.7 million |
| 10 | Unai Emery | Aston Villa | $10.7 million |
| 11 | Vincent Kompany | Bayern Munich | $10.1 million |
| 12 | Ruben Amorim | Manchester United | $8.7 million |
| 13 | Arne Slot | Liverpool | $8.3 million |
| 14 | Thomas Tuchel | England | $7.8 million |
| 15 | Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan | $7.2 million |
| 16 | Ange Postecoglou | Tottenham | $6.7 million |
| 17 | Xabi Alonso | Bayer Leverkusen | $6.6 million |
17. Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen | $6.6 million
Cool, composed and cutting-edge: Xabi Alonso‘s managerial rise continues to capture imaginations across Europe. At $6.6 million per year, his Bayer Leverkusen side plays some of the most exciting football on the continent.
A student of the game under managers like Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho, he blends tactical discipline with daring innovation. If Leverkusen’s trajectory continues upward, bigger clubs will soon come calling — but for now, he’s building something truly special in Germany.
16. Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham | $6.7 million
Ange Postecoglou has breathed life back into Tottenham Hotspur with his energetic, fearless brand of football. Pocketing $6.7 million a year, he has won over players and fans alike with his honest demeanor and attacking philosophy.
Spurs, once haunted by near-misses and managerial turmoil, now believe they have a leader who can break the silverware curse. It’s early days but optimism is finally back in north London.
15. Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan | $7.2 million
Simone Inzaghi remains a steady hand on the wheel at Inter Milan, earning around $7.2 million annually. After multiple trophy wins and consistent performances in Serie A and Europe, he signed a contract extension through 2025.
His ability to balance defensive solidity with attacking verve has kept Inter among Italy’s elite, and his reputation as one of the continent’s finest managers continues to grow.
14. Thomas Tuchel, England | $7.8 million
From Champions League nights to international tournaments, Thomas Tuchel now wears the Three Lions badge with pride. Appointed as England’s manager in October 2024 on a £5 million ($6.4 million) per year deal, he is tasked with ending decades of heartbreak on the world stage. With Euro 2028 and the 2026 World Cup looming, England is betting that his tactical brilliance and tournament savvy can finally bring soccer home.
13. Arne Slot, Liverpool | $8.3 million
In less than a year, Arne Slot has gone from “the new guy” to “the man who brought back the glory”. At $8.3 million a year, his impact at Liverpool has been nothing short of transformative, clinching the 2024-25 Premier League title with a brand of high-octane, fluid soccer. His clear communication style and tactical adaptability have won over the Anfield faithful, and raised expectations even higher for the future.
12. Ruben Amorim, Manchester United | $8.7 million
The winds of change are blowing at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s appointment of Rúben Amorim in late 2024, at a salary of £6.5 million ($8.7 million), signaled a major shift in philosophy.
Amorim, one of Europe’s most promising young tacticians, is tasked with rebuilding United’s identity around dynamic football and young talents. Charismatic, intelligent, and fiercely ambitious, he could be the man to awaken the sleeping giant that is Manchester United.
11. Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich | $10.1 million
The story of Vincent Kompany’s rise as a coach took an exciting new twist in 2024 when Bayern Munich appointed him manager. At $10.1 million per year, the former Manchester City captain brings youthful energy and a progressive footballing philosophy to the German giants.
Despite a rocky spell at Burnley, Bayern believes in his leadership, vision, and hunger for success. It’s a bold gamble — but then again, Bayern have never been afraid of shaking things up.
10. Unai Emery, Aston Villa | $10.7 million
Unai Emery has turned Aston Villa from mid-table dwellers into genuine contenders for European places, and his $10.7 million annual salary is well-earned. His attention to tactical detail and ability to get the best out of his squad have made Villa Park a fortress again.
Whether masterminding clever defensive setups or launching devastating counterattacks, His fingerprints are all over Villa’s resurgence. The future looks bright under the Basque manager’s meticulous watch.
9. Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid | $10.7 million
The maestro of calm continues to conduct Real Madrid’s symphony. Carlo Ancelotti remains one of the most respected and decorated managers in the game, earning $10.7 million a year.
In his second stint with Los Blancos, his cool demeanor and tactical brilliance have delivered both domestic and European success. With a golden generation transitioning into a new era, the Italian is perfectly placed to guide Madrid’s next chapter with his trademark elegance and experience.
8. Jorge Jesus, Al-Hilal | $11.1 million
Veteran manager Jorge Jesus returned to familiar territory when he rejoined Al-Hilal in 2024, lured by an $11.1 million annual salary. His first spell at the Saudi giants was wildly successful, and expectations are even higher this time.
Known for his attacking philosophy and larger-than-life persona, he has injected energy and ambition into Al-Hilal’s quest for supremacy. Under his command, the club aims to conquer the Saudi Pro League and make a serious mark on the AFC Champions League.
7. Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce | $11.9 million
If there’s one thing certain about José Mourinho, it’s that he loves a new adventure, especially one that involves passionate fans and high stakes. In 2024, the “Special One” took charge of Fenerbahçe, signing a lucrative two-year deal worth €10.5 million ($11.4 million) annually.
Istanbul’s soccer scene is electric, and his charisma has ignited a fervor among Fener fans. With silverware expectations high, the legendary tactician is tasked with restoring Fenerbahçe’s dominance both domestically and in Europe. Never count out Mourinho, he lives for the big moments.
6. Luis Enrique, Paris St Germain | $12.4 million
Managing Paris Saint-Germain is one of football’s most glamorous and pressure-cooked jobs, but Luis Enrique seems unfazed. On a salary of $12.4 million a year, the former Barcelona boss brings tactical flexibility and a no-nonsense attitude to a club desperate for continental success.
His experience handling star-studded squads is exactly what PSG needs as they seek to conquer Europe at long last. With him at the helm, the Parisians’ dream of lifting the Champions League trophy remains alive and well.
5. David Moyes, Everton | $16.2 million
After leaving West Ham United, David Moyes returned to Everton, the club where he first made his name, in a headline-grabbing move. At $16.2 million per year, he has been handed the reins to restore pride at Goodison Park.
With his pragmatic style, astute talent spotting, and deep understanding of the Toffees’ DNA, his second spell is built on unfinished business. Evertonians are hoping he can steer the ship through troubled waters and back toward the heights of European competition.
4. Stefano Pioli, Al Nassr | $20.03 million
A seasoned general in new territory — Stefano Pioli’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr shocked many in the European football world. But with a staggering $20.03 million paycheck, the Italian tactician embraced a fresh challenge in 2024.
Pioli, renowned for bringing stability and glory back to AC Milan, has now been tasked with elevating Al Nassr to continental dominance. With global stars in his ranks and the Saudi Pro League’s ambitious vision, his adventure in Riyadh is one of the most intriguing stories to follow.
3. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal | $20.2 million
The apprentice has become the master. Mikel Arteta, once Pep Guardiola’s understudy at Manchester City, has stepped into his own limelight at Arsenal. Earning an impressive $20.2 million annually, he has revitalized the Gunners with a bold, attacking brand of football that fuses youth development with tactical sophistication.
Arsenal‘s title challenges have reignited hope among their fanbase, long starved for Premier League glory. His calm demeanor, combined with his sharp footballing intellect, suggests that the Spaniard could be at the Emirates for many more seasons of success.
2. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City | $26.8 million
Pep Guardiola‘s reign at Manchester City is nothing short of historic. With a salary hovering around £20 million per year, His influence transcends silverware — though his trophy cabinet speaks volumes. Under his guidance, City has redefined attacking football, achieving multiple Premier League titles and a long-awaited UEFA Champions League crown.
His meticulous attention to detail, tactical innovation, and ability to evolve his teams season after season ensure that City remains a global powerhouse. Even as whispers of a possible departure grow louder, his legacy at the Etihad is firmly cemented as one of the greatest managerial eras in English soccer.
1. Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid | $33.5 million
When it comes to passion, grit, and unwavering loyalty, few managers embody these traits like Diego Simeone. The Argentine has become synonymous with Atlético Madrid, carving out a legacy of resilience and tactical mastery.
In 2024, he agreed to a contract extension until 2027, albeit with a significant pay cut — around 20% to 30% — yet he still remains one of the highest-paid coaches globally.
With his famous “Cholismo” philosophy, he continues to drive Atlético to punch above their weight in both LaLiga and European competitions. After over a decade at the helm, he remains the heart and soul of the red-and-white side of Madrid.