Highest From Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, who has secured multiple Premier League titles and a historic treble-winning campaign, to Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid, known for his two La Liga titles and historic Champions League runs, the best paid managers are earning staggering figures.
Clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have provided enormous contracts over the years, but Saudi Profigrav Clubs recently placed an administrative market with even bigger offers. With global fame in the UEFA Champions League, domestic leagues and games, top coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Miquel Arteta and Jose Mourinho continue to dominate the coaching pay table.
But who is the highest paid manager today? In this list I will be going over the highest paid soccer coaches and their salaries.
The world of soccer management continues to escalate into a high-stakes arena, with salaries reflecting both prestige and pressure. Here’s an analysis of the top earners in 2025, contextualized with industry trends and insights:
Top 11 Highest-Paid Soccer Coaches (Annual Salaries in £ Millions)
Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid) – £25.9M
Why? Simeone’s loyalty and transformative success at Atlético (2 La Liga titles, Champions League finals) justify his top spot. His salary likely includes performance bonuses tied to European success.
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – £20.7M
Why? Guardiola’s legacy of dominance (6 Premier League titles, a historic treble) secures his place. His salary, while lower than Simeone’s, is bolstered by commercial partnerships and equity in City Football Group projects.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) – £15.6M
Why? Arteta’s resurgence of Arsenal into title contenders earned him a recent contract extension. His pay reflects the club’s long-term vision and commercial growth under Kroenke’s ownership.
Stefano Pioli (Al Nassr) – £15.5M
Why? Saudi Pro League’s ambition lured Pioli from AC Milan. His salary mirrors the league’s strategy to attract elite European talent, both on and off the pitch.
David Moyes (Everton) – £12.5M
Note: This figure raises eyebrows. While Moyes stabilized Everton, £12.5M seems inflated unless tied to survival bonuses or equity in club projects. Likely includes incentives for avoiding relegation and achieving European spots.
Luis Enrique (PSG) – £9.6M
Why? PSG’s focus on Champions League glory drives Enrique’s pay. His salary is lower than predecessors, reflecting a shift toward balanced squad-building over marquee signings.
Matthias Jaissle (Al Ahli) – £9.6M
Why? The 36-year-old German, poached from RB Leipzig, represents Saudi Arabia’s bet on young, tactical innovators. His salary underscores the league’s long-term vision.
José Mourinho (Fenerbahçe) – £9.2M
Why? Mourinho’s brand and trophy pedigree command premium pay, even in Turkey. Fenerbahçe’s ambition to dominate domestically and in Europe justifies the investment.
Jorge Jesus (Al Hilal) – £8.6M
Why? A proven winner in Saudi Arabia, Jesus’ salary reflects his role in Al Hilal’s dominance (3 league titles, Asian Champions League wins).
Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid) – £8.3M
Why? Ancelotti’s lower base salary is offset by hefty Champions League bonuses. His value lies in man-management and European pedigree, not just base pay.
Unai Emery (Aston Villa) – £8.3M
Why? Emery’s transformative impact at Villa (Champions League qualification) earned him a pay bump. His salary includes performance-linked incentives for continental success.
Key Trends Shaping 2025 Highest Salaries
Saudi Pro League’s Influence:
Clubs like Al Nassr and Al Ahli disrupt traditional wage hierarchies, offering tax-free deals and project equity to lure top coaches.
Performance Bonuses Over Guarantees:
Ancelotti’s “lower” salary highlights a shift toward bonuses for trophies and European progress, reducing financial risk for clubs.
Premier League’s Commercial Power:
Arteta’s £15.6M reflects Arsenal’s £600M+ commercial revenue, enabling them to compete with state-backed clubs.
The “Casino” Analogy:
High risk, high reward: Coaches like Mourinho face pressure to deliver instantly, akin to betting on red. Failure often means swift exits, despite massive payouts.
Addressing Highest Discrepancies
- Guardiola’s Salary: The FAQ incorrectly lists Guardiola at £25.9M; the accurate figure is £20.7M. Simeone remains the highest-paid overall.
- Ancelotti’s Value: His £8.3M base at Real Madrid is supplemented by bonuses, ensuring total compensation rivals top earners.
Conclusion
In 2025, managerial salaries are no longer just about trophies—they reflect market dynamics, geopolitical ambitions (e.g., Saudi investments), and commercial branding. While Simeone and Guardiola lead today, the rise of Saudi Arabia and performance-linked pay structures could soon rewrite this list. For coaches, the game is now as much about financial strategy as tactical brilliance. ⚽💰
