Top 30 Highest-Paid Football Managers in 2026

Managing a football team carries immense pressure, often met with little gratitude. Results dictate tenure more than anything else, with sackings looming when performances dip. Yet those who thrive at the highest levels enjoy substantial financial rewards. The sums involved in the sport continue to swell, especially with the Saudi Pro League offering eye-catching contracts to lure top coaching talent.

Here's a detailed look at the 30 highest-paid football managers around the globe, spanning international teams and Champions League giants.

Managers Ranked 30th to 11th by Annual Salary

Some notable figures just outside the top 10 include England manager Thomas Tuchel, earning £5 million yearly – matching salaries of Michael Carrick at Manchester United, David Moyes at Everton, and Frank Lampard managing Coventry City.

Matthias Jaissle, newly appointed at Newcastle United, pulls in £6 million, equal to Vincent Kompany at Bayern Munich. Both Roberto De Zerbi (Tottenham) and Unai Emery (Aston Villa) are on £8 million each, while veteran Carlo Ancelotti earns £8.1 million leading Brazil's national side.

30. Okan Buruk, Galatasaray - £4.2m
29. Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham - £4.5m
28. Frank Lampard, Coventry City - £5m
27. Michael Carrick, Manchester United - £5m
26. David Moyes, Everton - £5m
25. Thomas Tuchel, England - £5m
24. Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis - £5.1m
23. Mauricio Pochettino, USA - £5.1m
22. Maurizio Sarri, Atalanta - £5.3m
21. Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle United - £6m
20. Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich - £6m
19. Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan - £6.3m
18. Ruben Amorim, AC Milan - £6.3m
17. Hansi Flick, Barcelona - £6.4m
16. Massimiliano Allegri, Napoli - £7.1m
15. Gian Piero Gasperini, AS Roma - £7.9m
14. Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham - £8m
13. Unai Emery, Aston Villa - £8m
12. Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil - £8.1m
11. Luciano Spalletti, Juventus - £9.5m

Top 10 Highest-Paid Managers in 2026

Taking over from Pep Guardiola was always going to be daunting for Enzo Maresca. He now commands a £10 million annual salary at City. Despite the challenge of filling big shoes, he has a squad brimming with world-class talent and faces high expectations to bring trophies immediately.

Andoni Iraola reportedly took the Liverpool job not for money, yet his deal is worth £10 million a year, surpassing former boss Arne Slot’s earnings by nearly £4 million. Though untested at a club of Liverpool's stature, the club’s backing suggests faith in his potential.

After a tough stint at Nottingham Forest, Ange Postecoglou landed a lucrative £10 million contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr. He manages stars like Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose twilight season could define the coach's success there.

Luis Enrique remains a top figure in football, having led Barcelona to a European treble. At PSG, he won Ligue 1 and secured their first major trophy with a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in a treble-winning season. His current salary is £10.2 million, with talks of an extension following Champions League success.

Jose Mourinho made a high-profile return to Real Madrid, with Benfica compensated £13 million. He previously managed Madrid from 2010-2013, winning La Liga with a record 100 points. The 'Special One' remains under intense scrutiny to deliver results once again.

Xabi Alonso holds the Premier League’s highest managerial salary at £11.5 million, backed by Chelsea’s wealthy ownership. Following success at Bayer Leverkusen, his appointment is a significant gamble given past tensions with Real Madrid's hierarchy.

After trophy success with Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner chose Nottingham Forest despite links to bigger clubs. The Austrian earns £13 million, with Forest hoping he can turn around their recent relegation scares.

Mikel Arteta secured a new three-year contract in 2024, making him the fifth highest-paid manager globally. His efforts revitalized Arsenal, culminating in Premier League and Champions League triumphs, ending a 22-year league title drought.

For years the world's top earner, Diego Simeone now ranks second. The Argentine has led Atletico to multiple La Liga titles and Champions League finals. Despite a difficult 2022/23 season, his four-year contract extension came with a pay cut, strengthening his legendary status among fans.

Simone Inzaghi rose to prominence after lifting Inter Milan back to the top of Italy and Europe, winning Serie A in 2024 and reaching two Champions League finals. Seeking new challenges, he moved to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, becoming the highest-paid manager worldwide with a £22.2 million yearly salary.

Data sourced from Salary Leaks, accurate as of August 29, 2026.