Top 20 Football Managers in 2026 Ranked

The football world is home to some outstanding managers right now. A blend of seasoned coaches with numerous titles under their belt and emerging talents who have recently transitioned from playing to managing are shaping the sport.

With the 2025-26 season behind us and the 2026 World Cup underway, this moment offers managers of leading clubs and national teams a chance to build their reputations further.

Our updated ranking reflects recent achievements and current form among football's elite managers. We considered:

Trophies won.
Recent honours.
Managerial longevity.
Performance relative to expectations.
Lower ranking for international or unemployed managers due to fewer games.

20. Andoni Iraola – Liverpool

After Bournemouth parted ways with Gary O'Neil, appointing the relatively unknown Andoni Iraola surprised many. Yet, with the club investing in new talent, Iraola led them to their best Premier League points total ever, even securing Europa League qualification. His hardworking style and player motivation were key. Recently, he signed a two-year deal with Liverpool, so it will be interesting to see if he can replicate that success on a bigger stage.

19. Christian Chivu – Inter Milan

A celebrated former player, Chivu transitioned to coaching with promise. Having managed youth squads and saved Parma from relegation in early 2025, he returned to Inter Milan after Simone Inzaghi's departure. Winning the Serie A title last season adds weight to his growing reputation.

18. Luis de la Fuente – Spain

After progressing through Spain's youth ranks, Luis de la Fuente took over the senior team in 2022 and quickly made an impact. Spain's flawless run to win Euro 2024, beating England 2-1 in the final, was historic. With a young, talented squad, Spain looks poised to dominate international football as the World Cup progresses.

17. Enzo Maresca – Manchester City

Replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca brings experience from winning the Club World Cup and Europa Conference League. Despite a rocky exit from Chelsea, City’s backing could help him thrive. His challenge will be maintaining Premier League consistency while applying his tournament knowledge.

16. Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil

One of few to win the European Cup as both player and coach, Ancelotti's career spans more than three decades. He commands respect and has led Real Madrid’s star-studded squad successfully. With five Champions League titles and league wins across four major European leagues, he is arguably the competition's greatest manager. Now leading Brazil, his legacy could deepen if he lifts the nation beyond the Round of 16, though doubts about his current form keep him from a higher ranking.

15. Jose Mourinho – Real Madrid

Mourinho’s trophy cabinet is full, thanks to successes across Portugal, England, and beyond. Though past years have not matched his peak, his appointment at Real Madrid presents a fresh chance to claim more silverware. Managing a dressing room filled with stars will test his tactical and psychological skills.

14. Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid

Simeone has been a top figure in Europe’s big leagues for nearly ten years. Atletico remain competitive in La Liga and the Champions League under his leadership. Known for his pragmatic style, he earns £25.9 million annually, making him the highest-paid manager globally. Despite consistent semi-final appearances in the Champions League, the lack of trophies has piled up.

13. Simone Inzaghi – Al-Hilal

Ranking above several established coaches in 2025 was impressive for Inzaghi, thanks to his work at Inter Milan. He delivered the Serie A title again, beating AC Milan at San Siro, and reached Champions League finals twice, falling short on both occasions. After a heavy defeat against PSG, he moved to Riyadh. While he helped eliminate Manchester City from the Club World Cup, missing out on a European title limits his standing.

12. Xabi Alonso – Chelsea

Alonso’s spell at Bayer Leverkusen was remarkable, setting the longest unbeaten streak in Europe's top leagues and dethroning Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. He won the German league and DFB Pokal but lost the Europa League final. Real Madrid secured his signature next, though his tenure there was brief before he accepted the Chelsea role starting next season.

11. Jurgen Klopp – Germany

Though Germany fell short in Euro 2024 and suffered an unexpected World Cup shootout loss to Paraguay, Klopp's return to management after two years away offers hope. His success at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool proved his ability to maximize team potential and connect with players. Now charged with leading Germany, his leadership will be crucial to revive their fortunes.