10 highest paid football managers in the world 2025: 2 Saudi names, Arteta surprises fans

“Cruel and thankless”, Arsene Wenger, one of the most iconic figures in Premier League history, once spoke candidly about the immense psychological and physical toll a manager endures. 

He noted that in the fleeting moments of glory, when a team lifts a trophy, the manager often retreats into the shadows, allowing the players to bathe in the spotlight. This subtle gesture defines the essence of the role: a life of sacrifice, working tirelessly in silence to engineer success, only to be the first person held accountable when things go wrong. However, in an era where tactical sophistication has entirely replaced raw instinct, the influence of the "gaffer" has never been more vital. Modern clubs no longer view managers simply as coaches, but as supreme commanders of vast sporting empires. 

Consequently, elite organizations are willing to pay astronomical sums to secure the right tactical mind. In this comprehensive report by Nowgoalpro, we explore the financial landscape of the touchline, ranking the highest paid football managers in the world 2025 who have turned their strategic genius into record-breaking earnings.

Ranking the highest paid football managers in the world 2025

10. Carlo Ancelotti - Brazil National Team (£8.4 million per year) 

The man known as "Carletto" has transitioned from the club game to international prestige. After departing Real Madrid, where he was earning £9.6 million, Ancelotti took a slight pay cut to lead the Seleção in 2025. This historic appointment marks his first foray into international management, signed with the goal of securing the 2026 World Cup. 

Having won a record 5 Champions League titles and league trophies in all of Europe’s "Big Five" leagues, his £8.4 million salary makes him the world's best-paid international coach. His "quiet leadership" and ability to manage ego-heavy locker rooms are legendary, and Brazil hopes his calm hand will steady their talented but often erratic squad.

9. Jose Mourinho - Fenerbahce (£9.2 million per year) 

"The Special One" continues to command a premium even outside Europe's top 5 leagues. Joining Turkish giants Fenerbahce in 2024 from AS Roma on a 2-year deal, Mourinho’s £9.2 million annual wage is the highest in Turkish football history. 

At 62, Mourinho has overseen over 1,100 matches in a career spanning Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, accumulating 26 major trophies. Despite the high expectations, Mourinho lasted just over a season at the Istanbul-based club before being handed his dismissal once again, having failed to overthrow Galatasaray’s dominance in the Turkish Super Lig and sparking an irreparable rift with the board of directors.

8. Matthias Jaissle - Al-Ahli (£9.6 million per year)

Representing the new generation of coaching excellence, 37-year-old Jaissle is the youngest entry on this prestigious list. After a stellar stint at Red Bull Salzburg, where he won 2 Austrian Bundesligas with an 80% win rate, he was lured to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. His £9.6 million salary is a significant jump from his earnings in Europe. 

Earlier this year, Jaissle validated Al-Ahli’s investment by guiding them to the AFC Champions League Elite title, showcasing a high-pressing, energetic style of football that has revolutionized the club's tactical identity.

7. Luis Enrique - Paris Saint-Germain (£9.6 million per year) 

The Spaniard has achieved what many before him failed to do: bring the Champions League trophy to Paris. After joining PSG in 2023 from the Spanish national team on a 3-year contract, Enrique earns £9.6 million annually. 

His impact was immediate, transforming a collection of superstars into a cohesive unit. In the 2024/25 season, his side achieved a remarkable 75% win rate across all competitions. Known for his rigid adherence to possession-based football, Enrique’s tactical masterpiece came in the 2025 UCL final, where his side dominated the midfield to secure a historic 2-0 victory.

6. David Moyes - Everton (£12.5 million per year) 

In a move that shocked many analysts, Moyes returned to Goodison Park following Sean Dyche’s exit, signing a deal worth £12.5 million per year. This figure makes him one of the most well-paid managers in England, reflecting Everton’s desperation for stability. 

Moyes, who previously spent 11 years at the club before stints at Man Utd and West Ham, has already steered the Toffees away from the relegation zone. His pragmatism and defensive structure have seen Everton’s win percentage jump to 48% this season, a record-breaking turnaround for the Merseyside club in the 2025/26 campaign.

5. Stefano Pioli - Al-Nassr (£15.5 million per year) 

The Italian strategist, famous for reviving AC Milan, was appointed by Al-Nassr on a staggering £15.5 million annual salary. Tasked with managing a squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Pioli has utilized a flexible 4-2-3-1 system. 

Similar to Mourinho, Pioli was entrusted by Al Nassr with the vision of toppling Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, however, the Italian strategist failed to deliver, having to make way for Jorge Jesus after less than a year in charge due to poor results, culminating in a heated conflict with CR7.

4. Mikel Arteta - Arsenal (£15.6 million per year) 

Arteta’s transformation of Arsenal from mid-table strugglers to perennial title contenders was rewarded in December 2024 with a new 3-year contract worth £15.6 million per year. This is a massive increase from his initial 2019 salary, reflecting his status as one of the world's best tacticians. Having served as Pep Guardiola’s apprentice, Arteta has implemented a disciplined, positional style. 

Under his guidance, Arsenal achieved a club-record 28 Premier League wins in a single season (2023/24) and continues to push for silverware with a win rate of 62% over 250+ matches.

3. Pep Guardiola - Manchester City (£20.7 million per year) 

Guardiola’s current deal, signed in late 2024 and valid until 2027, pays him £20.7 million annually. Since 2016, he has turned City into a global powerhouse, winning 6 Premier League titles and a historic Treble. 

With over 450 matches at the helm and a win rate hovering near 73%, Pep is the second-highest earner at the club, trailing only Erling Haaland. His "Tiki-Taka" evolution remains the gold standard of modern football, and his influence has quite literally reshaped how the game is played across the globe.

2. Simone Inzaghi - Al-Hilal (£21.8 million per year) 

Following a glittering career at Inter Milan where he reached 2 Champions League finals, Inzaghi moved to Al-Hilal in 2025 for a gargantuan £21.8 million per year. His 3-5-2 system, characterized by marauding wing-backs, has made Al-Hilal nearly unbeatable in the Saudi Pro League. His salary, roughly £454,000 per week, reflects the financial muscle of the Middle East. He has already secured the Saudi Super Cup.

1. Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid (£25.9 million per year) 

The king of the touchline remains "El Cholo." Serving since 2011, Simeone’s latest extension in 2023 secured his position as the highest-paid manager at £25.9 million annually.. He has won two La Liga titles, 2 Europa Leagues, and reached 2 Champions League finals.

With over 700 games managed for Atletico, his "Cholismo" philosophy, centered on defensive grit and counter-attacking lethality, is the most successful era in the club's history.

Summary of the top 10 highest-paid managers in 2025: 

1. Diego Simeone: £25.9m (Atletico Madrid)

2. Simone Inzaghi: £21.8m (Al-Hilal)

3. Pep Guardiola: £20.7m (Man City)

4. Mikel Arteta: £15.6m (Arsenal)

5. Stefano Pioli: £15.5m (Al-Nassr)

6. David Moyes: £12.5m (Everton)

7. Luis Enrique: £9.6m (PSG)

8. Matthias Jaissle: £9.6m (Al-Ahli)

9. Jose Mourinho: £9.2m (Fenerbahce)

10. Carlo Ancelotti: £8.4m (Brazil)

In the list of the 10 most rewarded strategists featured by Nowgoalpro.net above, which manager do you believe truly justifies their astronomical wage? While some may argue that Simeone’s longevity makes him worth every penny, others might suggest that Moyes is currently rated higher than his recent trophy cabinet suggests. It is clear that being among the highest paid football managers in the world 2025 is as much about marketability and desperation as it is about tactical acumen.

If you wish to stay updated with the latest news on world-class managers and never miss a beat regarding football’s biggest superstars, including rankings, in-depth analysis, fixtures, and expert multi-dimensional perspectives, Nowgoalpro should be your ultimate destination and preferred browser. We provide valuable pre-match and post-match statistics for every thrilling encounter in the beautiful game.