The 10 highest-paid managers in world football in 2026: Simeone, Arteta, Enrique… | OneFootball

Three Premier League managers feature in the 10 highest-paid managers in world football in 2026 – and there are a couple of surprise entries too.

Surprisingly, only seven of the top 10 highest-paid managers are currently managing in Europe, with the other three coaches making serious money elsewhere.

Using the latest figures, we’ve assessed the 10 highest-paid managers in 2025 and have ranked them by their yearly wage.

10. Carlo Ancelotti – £8.4million per year

Earning more than the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Lionel Scaloni and Mauricio Pochettino, Ancelotti is the highest-paid international manager in 2025.

He recently left his post at Real Madrid, where he was earning a reported £9.6million per year and took a slight pay cut when signing up to manage Brazil.

With Ancelotti at the helm, we’re excited to see what Brazil have in store for us at the 2026 World Cup.

9. Matthias Jaissle – £9.6million per year

Aged 38, Jaissle is by far the youngest manager on this list.

The German coach did a fine job with Red Bull Salzburg and was picked up by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli in 2023.

He has won the AFC Champions League Elite back-to-back with the Saudi club. Surely a return to Europe beckons at some point.

8. Luciano Spalletti – £9.7million per year

Juventus are sparing no expense to restore their former glory days, hiring Spalletti last summer after growing tired of Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor.

The Serie A giants are currently fourth in the table, but failed to make the Champions League last 16. Spalletti will need to inspire a much-improved performance next year.

7. Antonio Conte – £9.7million per year

Napoli may have flattered to deceive this year, but Conte won the Scudetto in 2025 and is being paid handsomely for his efforts.

You’d expect the Napoli board to want a better performance in Europe next year, mind. Conte’s side bowed out of this season’s Champions League in the league phase.

6. Luis Enrique – £10.3million per year

Following PSG’s Champions League win last year, Enrique will probably be demanding a pay rise when his contract comes up for renewal.

The Spanish coach has completely changed the culture at PSG and he played a key role in them winning their first-ever UCL title.

“The first thing Luis Enrique told me is: ‘You’re going to see your team, the club, your team playing amazing football. You’re going to enjoy it,’” PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi told reporters earlier this year.

“That’s what he said … ‘I want to play offensive football’ and that’s what he told us and he’s done it. And he’s the best coach in the world.”

5. David Moyes – £12.5million per year

Perhaps the most surprising entry on this list.

Moyes is an excellent Premier League manager, but it took us by surprise when we learnt that he’s currently earning more than Arne Slot, Unai Emery and Eddie Howe.

Considering that £12.5million figure is just his base wage, he’s likely earning even more than that when you factor in bonuses too.

4. Mikel Arteta -£15.6million per year

The Spanish coach signed a new three-year deal with Arsenal back in December 2024, which made him the fourth-highest-paid manager in world football.

Since arriving at Arsenal in 2019, the improvements that he’s made have been obvious to see. But the need for major silverware is becoming ever more desperate.

3. Pep Guardiola – £20.7million per year

Guardiola used to be the second-highest-paid manager in world football, but he’s since been moved down to third.

He penned a fresh deal with Manchester City in November 2024, which is valid until the summer of 2027.

It’s also worth pointing out that Guardiola is the second-highest-paid employee at the club, only behind Erling Haaland, who earns £27.3million per year.

Whether the Catalan stays at City beyond the end of this season remains open to debate.

2. Simone Inzaghi – £21.8million per year

After agreeing to leave Inter to join Saudi giants Al-Hilal last summer, Inzaghi became the second-highest-paid manager in world football.

He earns £21.8million per year in Saudi Arabia, the equivalent of £454,000 per week.

All that money and Inzaghi’s team are eight points behind Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

1. Diego Simeone – £25.9million per year

Having been at Atletico Madrid since 2011, Simeone is one of the longest-serving managers in world football and he’s also the highest-paid.

As a player, he won the league and Copa del Rey with Atletico in the nineties and he’s been even more successful as a manager.

Battling against Barcelona and Real Madrid every year is no easy feat, but Simeone always finds a way to make his side competitive.

He’s still under contract with the club until 2027 and still seems as motivated as ever in the job.