It’s not just star players taking home astronomical wages—modern football managers are now commanding salaries that rival the best-paid athletes. In 2025, the competition in world football is more intense than ever, and clubs across Europe and beyond are investing record sums to secure tactical masterminds who can deliver trophies, titles, and global prestige. Whether it’s Premier League giants like Manchester City and Liverpool, or continental powerhouses such as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, top clubs are fighting tooth and nail to hire the best manager in the world.
But who actually tops the earnings list in? From long-standing icons like Pep Guardiola to rising tactical innovators like Ruben Amorim and Arne Slot, this detailed ranking reveals the 20 highest-paid football managers in the world. Based on current contracts, reported bonuses, and estimated commercial earnings, this list sheds light on how financial power continues to shape the managerial landscape—especially in the Premier League, where some of the best-paid bosses now earn more than entire squads in the lower leagues.
Let’s dive into the world of elite coaching salaries and find out who really is the highest-paid manager in the world right now.
Pep Guardiola – Manchester City (£20 million)
As expected, Pep Guardiola sits right at the top when it comes to the highest paid managers in global football. The Spaniard has transformed Manchester City into a European powerhouse, guiding them to multiple Premier League titles and finally securing the elusive Champions League crown in 2023. With a salary reportedly reaching £20 million a year in 2025, plus substantial bonuses tied to domestic and European success, Guardiola is not only the best manager of his generation but also the highest earning.
Guardiola’s tactical influence stretches far beyond the Etihad. His ability to consistently compete for the league title and dominate world football makes him a priceless asset to Manchester City. His current contract runs until 2025, and there’s speculation about a potential new deal that could push his salary even higher.
Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid (£17.5 million)
Diego Simeone continues to command an elite salary at Atlético Madrid. Despite being outside the Premier League, the Argentine is among the highest earning managers in the world, earning approximately £17.5 million annually. His longevity at the Madrid club and ability to punch above their weight in both La Liga and the Champions League have earned him both admiration and financial reward.
Still viewed as one of the toughest tacticians in European football, Simeone has become synonymous with Atlético’s gritty identity. His team’s consistent Champions League presence continues to justify his pay, even if silverware has been less frequent in recent years.
Jurgen Klopp – Liverpool (£17 million)
2025 marks a transitional year for Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp remains one of the highest-paid names in football management and is indeed in our list of top four. With an estimated wage of £17 million per season, the Liverpool manager has earned every penny after rebuilding the team into a title-winning force and claiming the Champions League in 2019.
His legacy at Anfield is cemented, even as he navigates a new era with younger talent and an evolving Premier League landscape. His loyalty and long-term vision are key reasons why Liverpool continue to back him financially, making Klopp one of the highest-paid football managers in the world.
Thomas Tuchel – Bayern Munich (£14 million)
Although Thomas Tuchel’s time at Bayern Munich has had its ups and downs, he remains among the best paid managers in Europe. His deal with the German giants earns him around £14 million per year in 2025. Despite turbulence in the Bundesliga and early Champions League exits, Tuchel’s coaching pedigree from his PSG and Chelsea days still commands respect.
As Bayern Munich look to re-establish themselves as dominant forces after recent title challenges from Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig, Tuchel’s salary reflects the club’s belief in his ability to bring continental glory back to Munich.
Mikel Arteta – Arsenal (£12.5 million)
Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal from top-four hopefuls to serious Premier League contenders, and his reward has come in the form of a £12.5 million-per-year deal. A former assistant to Guardiola, Arteta has developed his own managerial identity and has led the Gunners to multiple strong league finishes, including a near miss in the 2023/24 title race.
Arteta’s position at Arsenal is not just secure—it’s lucrative. He remains one of the highest-paid managers in world football in 2025, underlining how much the north London club values his influence in returning Arsenal to Europe’s elite.
Erik ten Hag – Manchester United (£11.5 million)
Despite inconsistent performances and managerial pressure at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag still makes the list with an estimated salary of £11.5 million. The Dutchman won silverware early in his tenure, including the FA Cup and EFL Cup, but challenges remain in restoring Manchester United’s former glory.
Still, the club hierarchy continues to back ten Hag financially as one of the best paid bosses in the Premier League, hoping he can steer them back to title contention and Champions League consistency.
Simone Inzaghi – Inter Milan (£10.8 million)
Simone Inzaghi has risen through the managerial ranks with impressive results at Inter Milan. Now earning around £10.8 million a year, he is one of the highest-paid managers in Serie A and a respected tactician in European football. Inzaghi guided Inter to the Champions League final in 2023 and remains a key figure in their domestic title chases.
His salary is a reflection of his growing reputation, as well as Inter’s ambitions to remain a powerhouse in both Serie A and European competitions.
Arne Slot – Liverpool (£10.5 million)
Arne Slot’s appointment as Liverpool’s head coach in 2024 was a bold move, but early signs in 2025 suggest it’s paying off. With an annual wage of £10.5 million, Slot is among the best paid managers in the Premier League. The Dutch tactician made his name at Feyenoord, and Liverpool’s faith in his progressive footballing philosophy is evident in both the contract length and salary.
While it’s still early days at Anfield, Slot’s ability to manage at the top level is already turning heads across the footballing world.
Unai Emery – Aston Villa (£8 million)
Unai Emery has revitalised Aston Villa and brought them back into European relevance. His estimated salary of £8 million places him comfortably within the top 20 highest-paid football managers. After his success in the Europa League with Villarreal and his excellent performance in the Premier League, Villa were quick to tie him down with a lucrative deal.
With Champions League qualification now a realistic goal at Villa Park, Emery is proving his worth as one of the most valuable and best paid tacticians outside the traditional top six.
Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur (£7.5 million)
Australian manager Ange Postecoglou has become a cult hero among Spurs fans. His arrival from Celtic brought fresh energy, and in 2025, he earns approximately £7.5 million per year. While Tottenham continue to rebuild after the departure of key players, Postecoglou’s high-pressing, entertaining style has brought renewed hope to north London.
Though still awaiting a major trophy, he remains one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League due to his long-term vision and ability to get the best from young players.
David Moyes – West Ham United (£4.8 million)
Veteran boss David Moyes led West Ham to a historic UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2023 and remains a key figure at the London Stadium. His estimated £4.8 million salary reflects both his experience and recent success, as the Hammers look to maintain their status in the top half of the Premier League table.
Despite occasional pressure and talk of a potential sack, Moyes’ leadership continues to be valued.
Highest-Paid Football Managers in the World 2025 – A New Era of Club Power
With salaries now well into eight figures, it’s clear that the role of a football manager has become one of the highest-paid positions in world football. Premier League clubs, in particular, continue to lead the way, using their financial muscle to secure tactical minds who can deliver at the very highest level.
From Guardiola’s dominance at Manchester City to rising figures like Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim, this list of the highest-paid managers reflects a changing of the guard as much as it does financial ambition. As the game grows ever more global, expect these wages to climb further—with Saudi Pro League sides also entering the race to attract elite players and managers alike.
Stay tuned. In a sport where one good season can double your paycheck—and one bad month can get you sacked—the managerial merry-go-round is always spinning.
