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
Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Augsburg at BayArena on April 26, 2025. (Source: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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 looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Tottenham Hotspur in 2025. (Source: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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 manager of FC Internazionale reacts before the Serie A match between Empoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 30, 2024. (Source: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Latvia at Wembley Stadium on March 24, 2025. (Source: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
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
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC in 2024. (Source: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
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
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Vitality Stadium on April 27, 2025. (Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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
Vincent Kompany, head coach of FC Bayern München looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on April 26, 2025. (Source: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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, Manager of Aston Villa looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 training and press conference at Bodymoor Heath training ground in 2024. (Source: Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
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
Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Balaidos on October 19, 2024. (Source: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
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
Jorge Jesus coach of Al Hilal looks on during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal at Al Awwal Park on May 17, 2024. (Source: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
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
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Fenerbahce, gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 training session at Ibrox Stadium on March 12, 2025. (Source: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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
Luis Enrique of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale on August 01, 2023. (Source: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
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
David Moyes, Manager of Everton, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Everton FC at City Ground on April 12, 2025. (Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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
Stefano Pioli coach of Al Nassr celebrates after winning the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Riyadh and Al-Nassr at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on November 8, 2024. (Source: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
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
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC in 2024. (Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester City at Craven Cottage on May 11, 2024. (Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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
Diego Simeone, Manager of Atletico Madrid looks on prior to the Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and SD Eibar SAD at Wanda Metropolitano on September 01, 2019. (Source: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
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.
