Top 10 Highest-Paid Football Managers in the World in 2026

According to report by Vanguard News on Monday, October 12, 2026, Football managers at some of the world’s wealthiest clubs continue to earn enormous salaries as teams invest heavily in experienced coaches to secure domestic titles and continental trophies.

According to a ranking published by Salary Leaks, Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi leads the list of the highest-paid football managers in 2026, with a reported annual salary of €26 million.

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone follows in second place, earning €23.5 million annually.

The ranking features coaches from the Saudi Pro League and major European leagues, including the English Premier League, with Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Manchester City’s Enzo Maresca also making the top 10.

Here are the 10 highest-paid managers, according to the reported figures.

1. Simone Inzaghi — Al-Hilal (€26 million)

The Italian coach tops the ranking after joining the Saudi Arabian club in 2025 from Inter Milan. During his time at Inter, he won domestic honours and guided the team to two UEFA Champions League finals. His reported contract runs until 2027.

2. Diego Simeone — Atletico Madrid (€23.5 million)

Simeone has managed Atletico Madrid since 2011, transforming the Spanish club into a regular challenger for major honours.

He led the team to La Liga titles in 2014 and 2021, while reaching two Champions League finals. His contract reportedly expires in 2027.

3. Luis Enrique — Paris Saint-Germain (€20 million)

The Spanish tactician previously guided Barcelona to a historic treble in the 2014/15 season. At PSG, he has continued pursuing domestic and European success. His reported contract runs until 2030.

Arteta has helped restore Arsenal’s competitiveness in the Premier League since taking charge in 2019. He won the FA Cup in 2020 and has developed a squad capable of challenging for major trophies.

5. Jose Mourinho — Real Madrid (€12 million)

The Portuguese manager is renowned for winning trophies across several European leagues. He led Real Madrid to the 2011/12 La Liga title with a record 100 points.

6. Ange Postecoglou — Al-Nassr (€11.7 million)

Known for his attacking philosophy, the Australian coach previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest before his reported move to Saudi Arabia.

7. Oliver Glasner — Nottingham Forest (£11.5 million)

The Austrian manager earned recognition for his tactical organisation and achievements at Crystal Palace before taking up his reported position at Forest.

Alonso rose to prominence after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season. His appointment at Chelsea reflects the club’s ambition to compete for major honours.

9. Luciano Spalletti — Juventus (€11.2 million)

The Italian coach guided Napoli to the Serie A championship in 2022/23, ending the club’s 33-year wait for another league title. He is now tasked with strengthening Juventus.

10. Enzo Maresca — Manchester City (£10 million)

Maresca completes the ranking following his reported appointment at Manchester City. He faces the challenge of maintaining the club’s competitiveness after Pep Guardiola’s departure.

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