The highest-paid football managers in 2024 have wages that rival those earned by some of the most famous football players with whom they are working. This makes sense, however. These managers have revolutionized the game and helped fill their clubs’ trophy cabinets.
Some of the names on this list may surprise you, and some omissions will come as a shock. This is why it’s time to look at the highest-paid football managers in football right now.
The Highest-Paid Football Managers Right Now
While some financial information regarding managers’ wages is confidential, this list takes into account the findings made by the websites Sport.es and Daily Mirror.
Niko Kovac – €4 million
Niko Kovac proved his mettle by leading Eintracht Frankfurt to a DFB-Pokal victory and Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga title. Still, a relatively young and new football manager, his inclusion on the list might surprise some. However, this is what being employed by one of football’s biggest institutions, Bayern Munchen, can do for one’s career.
Kovac’s ability to motivate his team and tactical flexibility has marked him as a manager to watch. Now, with VFL Wolfsburg, he has managed to retain some of his impressive earnings as a football manager.
Xabi Alonso – €5 million
Xabi Alonso has quickly made a name for himself in management, applying the same intelligence and vision he was known for as a player. Yes, no other manager is as talked about in 2024 than Xabi Alonso. Will he join Liverpool or Real Madrid? Or will he win the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen and thus end Bayern’s dominance? Though early in his managerial career, his potential is evident with Real Sociedad B, showcasing a promising future.
Simone Inzaghi – €10 million
Simone Inzaghi has continued Lazio and Inter’s tradition of competitive football with a keen eye for developing talent. His tactical setup, seen by some as rigid, has guided Inter to the very top of Italian football and has made them, once again, a top contender in the Champions League. The 2023/24 season has gone spectacularly so far, and his wages reflect the Nerrazzuri’s belief in their manager.
Carlo Ancelotti – €11 million
Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most successful managers in European football, having won domestic titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain, along with multiple Champions League trophies. His calm demeanour and experience have made him a respected figure in the game.
Ancelotti may have considered retirement in recent years. But success is keeping him stay put. Real Madrid are winning trophies and developing a team that can be one of Europe’s finest for years to come. And, of course, Don Carlo is at the helm of it all.
Thomas Tuchel – €12 million
Thomas Tuchel quickly established himself as the next great German manager. His tactical intelligence and fiery personality helped him, advance quickly through the ranks in Germany. This led to managerial stints with some of the world’s finest teams, including Chelsea, with whom he won the Champions League shortly after taking over, Paris Saint-Germain and now, Bayern Munchen. His adaptability and strategic mind have been key to his success in Europe’s top leagues.
Massimiliano Allegri – €12.8 million
Massimiliano Allegri has been instrumental in Juventus’ long period of domestic success, with multiple Serie A titles and Coppa Italia victories. His pragmatic approach to the game has also seen Juventus reach two Champions League finals under his tenure.
Having won everything with The Old Lady, he took a sabbatical and returned to the club as it faced one of its most difficult periods. Allegri can’t work magic immediately, but his approach seems to be providing results.
Steven Gerrard – €17.6 million
Steven Gerrard made an immediate impact at Rangers, leading them to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade, ending Celtic’s dominance. A well-respected figure in the United Kingdom, Gerard was touted as the next Liverpool manager. Things haven’t worked out exactly.
But Al-Ettifaq certainly believes in him and has offered him a terrific salary to ensure that the former midfielder is on the ground floor of what they see as a project to make the Saudi Pro League into one of the finest in the world.
Jurgen Klopp – €18 million
Jurgen Klopp – €18 millionJurgen Klopp transformed Liverpool into a high-pressing, fast-attacking team, culminating in a long-awaited Premier League title and a Champions League victory. His charismatic leadership and tactical flexibility have endeared him to fans worldwide.
Yes, now that Klopp has opted to depart The Reds after a decade of success, filling his shoes will prove difficult. This period will be remembered not only as one of triumph but also as one of the most entertaining to watch in the club’s history. Klopp was worth every penny Liverpool were willing to pay him.
Pep Guardiola – €22 million
Pep Guardiola is the inventor of modern football, having instilled a possession-based style that has seen him conquer leagues in Spain, Germany, and England. His Manchester City side is a testament to his philosophy, dominating the Premier League with an innovative approach to the game.
In fact, some might argue that this Manchester City and their seemingly never-ending success, is ruining the fun of having teams contest for trophies. Guardiola is a true managerial genius and certainly deserves to be one of the highest-paid managers in football.
Diego Simeone – €34 million
You may be surprised to learn that Diego Simeone is the highest-paid manager in football, according to the previously mentioned reports. But he is the architect of Atlético’s success.
Diego Simeone has redefined Atlético Madrid with his gritty, never-say-die attitude, leading them to a historic La Liga title and disrupting the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid. His tactical acumen has solidified Atlético’s status in European competitions, making them a force to be reckoned with. Simone’s new contract is set to keep him in Madrid until 2027.
And although rumours of his departure have persisted for years, surely, such news would cause riots around the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium.
