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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features a new generation of tactically gifted young managers.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features young and dynamic managers commanding some of the world’s biggest clubs.
Here’s a ranked spotlight on the five youngest managers taking charge at this year's tournament
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5. Xabier Alonso Olano – Real Madrid
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Xabi Alonso rounds off this youthful list as the eldest of the five at 43 years and 201 days old.
Despite his age, he represents the new wave of tactically sophisticated coaches.
After turning heads with Bayer Leverkusen by delivering their historic Bundesliga title, Alonso was appointed as the head coach of Real Madrid in 2025.
His intelligence, composure, and playing pedigree have quickly translated into elite-level management.
Under his watch, Los Blancos remain tactically disciplined and defensively sharp, traits likely to define their Club World Cup run.
4. Javier Alejandro Mascherano – Inter Miami
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Mascherano has transitioned smoothly from player to coach at 41 years and 6 days old.
The former Argentina captain and midfield enforcer took over at Inter Miami, where he now works closely with fellow Argentine and global icon Lionel Messi.
Though relatively new to top-tier club management, Mascherano brings intensity, leadership, and a clear tactical identity.
At 41, he’s already commanding a squad with global expectations and delivering composed results on an international stage.
3. Martin Rodrigo Anselmi – FC Porto
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Anselmi's rapid rise to FC Porto's hot seat speaks volumes of his strategic brilliance and man-management skills.
Previously known for impressive stints in South America, his European breakthrough came in early 2025 with Porto.
At just 39 and 338 days old, Anselmi is proving that modern coaching is no longer the reserve of seasoned veterans.
His data-driven approach and high pressing game make Porto an exciting side to watch and potentially a dark horse at the tournament.
2. Filipe Luis Kasmirski – Flamengo
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Filipe Luis, a modern legend in Brazilian football, is now leading Flamengo into global battle as a rookie head coach.
His calm presence, coupled with deep knowledge of Brazilian football culture and European tactical principles thanks to his time with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, gives Flamengo a tactical edge.
At 39 and 309 days old, he joins a rare group of debutant managers guiding their sides in a global competition, a sign of Flamengo's trust in his long-term vision.
1. Vincent Kompany – Bayern Munich
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Topping the list as the youngest manager at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is Belgian legend Vincent Kompany at 39 and 65 day years old.
Appointed by Bayern Munich in May 2024, Kompany led the Bavarians to a thrilling Bundesliga title and into this global showdown.
Known for his leadership on and off the pitch, Kompany has quickly instilled a disciplined, progressive style of play in Bayern’s squad.
His tactical acumen and motivational prowess were on full display during Bayern’s record 10–0 win over Auckland City, the biggest win in Club World Cup history.
Despite sharing the same age as Anselmi and Filipe Luis, Kompany's April birthdate makes him the youngest among the trio, sealing his place at the top of this elite list.
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