10 Richest Football Managers in the World: Guardiola and Mourinho Beaten by Surprise Name

In the high-stakes world of modern football, eye-watering sums of money are no longer reserved for star players.

Top-tier managers now command astronomical wages and build immense fortunes, reflecting their critical role in a club's success. But who are the wealthiest tacticians in the game today?

Drawing from a 2023 report by The Sun and incorporating recent developments, this list reveals the ten richest football managers based on their current net worth.

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These individuals have amassed their wealth through illustrious careers, savvy investments, and lucrative contracts, many reaching a point where they coach for the love of the sport, not the paycheck.

A true revolutionary of the English game, Arsene Wenger's legacy is forever tied to his transformative 22-year tenure at Arsenal. He famously led the "Invincibles" to an unbeaten Premier League season and secured multiple trophies.

Though he stepped down from management in 2017, the Frenchman remains influential in his role as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development. His long and storied career has earned him a substantial net worth of £39 million.

Few managers have forged as deep a connection with a fanbase as Jurgen Klopp did at Liverpool and, before that, Borussia Dortmund.

Known for his charismatic personality and high-energy "Gegenpressing" style, Klopp revitalized the Reds, leading them to both Premier League and Champions League glory.

After leaving Anfield, he took on a new challenge as Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull franchise, a role that will surely see his £41 million net worth continue to grow.

One of the most decorated managers in history, Carlo Ancelotti has achieved success across Europe's top leagues with clubs like Chelsea, AC Milan, and Real Madrid.

The pragmatic Italian tactician concluded his second spell with the Spanish giants at the end of the 2024-25 season to take charge of the Brazilian national team.

With a remarkable trophy cabinet and a net worth of £41.4 million, Ancelotti has more than earned a comfortable retirement whenever he chooses to hang up his clipboard.

Widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson's 27-year reign at Manchester United transformed the club into a global powerhouse.

His unparalleled success, which brought a staggering amount of silverware to Old Trafford, cemented his legendary status.

Though recently departing his ambassadorial role, the Scottish icon's impact on the club is immeasurable, and his career has culminated in an impressive net worth of £53.6 million.

While his managerial career is still in its early stages, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has already become one of the wealthiest in the profession.

After a successful start in Scotland with Rangers, he faced challenges at Aston Villa and later in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.

Whether the former England captain returns to the dugout remains to be seen, but his financial standing is secure, with a net worth of £74.5 million placing him high on this list.

Despite a relatively brief managerial career consisting of two separate stints at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane's incredible success makes him one of the most coveted coaches in the world.

He masterminded an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles, a feat that solidified his tactical prowess. The French icon has been out of management since 2021 but remains a top candidate for any major vacancy, all while boasting a staggering net worth of £99 million.

Pep Guardiola, widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of his generation, has achieved unparalleled success with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

While known for his high-spending transfer policies, Guardiola has also commanded enormous salaries for his services, placing him among the sport's top earners with a net worth of £100 million by 2025.

Tied with Guardiola at a net worth of £100 million is Jose Mourinho. The Special One has carved out a legendary career marked by major trophies and a famously confrontational style.

His successful tenures at clubs like Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid have built a legacy—and a fortune—that few can rival.

Mourinho’s fortune also comes from millions earned after being sacked from clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham and recently Fenerbahce.

Also in the top bracket is Diego Simeone, whose long and successful reign at Atlético Madrid has made him a club icon.

Since taking charge in 2011, the Argentine has consistently kept Atlético competitive against Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Renowned for his disciplined, defensive tactics, Simeone's loyalty has been rewarded with a contract that makes him one of the highest-paid managers in the game, contributing to a net worth of £107.7 million.

Despite a challenging start to his managerial career, Wayne Rooney stands alone as the wealthiest manager in football today.

His estimated net worth of £170 million, as reported by Goal, is primarily a result of his illustrious playing career, lucrative endorsements, and subsequent work as a media pundit.

Rooney's time in the dugout has been turbulent, with short-lived spells at Derby County, Birmingham City, and most recently, Plymouth Argyle.

However, his financial security has not diminished his ambition, as he continues to pursue success from the touchline, determined to prove his credentials as a top-level coach.