Top 15 Richest Football Managers in the World: Net Worth & Earnings Revealed

Football, on both the pitch and the sidelines, is an industry of immense financial opportunity. In today's game, not just elite players—but also top managers—rake in astonishing salaries, with lucrative contracts being the norm at major clubs. Behind the scenes, these managers are accumulating fortunes through club wages, endorsements, and sometimes, smart investments. Drawing from industry knowledge and market data, here are the current football managers with the highest estimated net worths, keeping the focus on their diverse backgrounds and achievements.

10. Arsène Wenger

Estimated Net Worth: £39 million

Arsène Wenger, revered for leading Arsenal during a transformative era, is one of football’s most respected managerial minds. With his guidance, Arsenal lifted multiple Premier League titles and became the only team to complete a league season unbeaten in modern times. Since stepping down as manager in 2017, Wenger has shifted his focus to football development globally, currently serving as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development. His robust earnings stem not just from his long club tenure, but also from broadcasting and advisory roles—contributing to his resilient wealth and his reputation as a forward-thinking football authority.

9. Carlo Ancelotti

Estimated Net Worth: £41.4 million

Carlo Ancelotti stands among the most decorated managers in modern football. His calm leadership has driven clubs such as Chelsea, AC Milan, and Real Madrid to domestic and European triumphs. Ancelotti’s multi-decade career at elite clubs, paired with marketable personal branding, underpins his considerable net worth. With plans to retire after his contract at Real Madrid, he has already asserted his financial security thanks to consistent top-level positions and endorsement deals across Europe.

8. Jürgen Klopp

Estimated Net Worth: £41.8 million

Jürgen Klopp's dynamic management style has revitalised both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, transforming each into title contenders and galvanising entire fanbases. Renowned for his charisma and tactical acumen, Klopp has also ventured into strategic advisory positions. His career, which includes substantial coaching salaries and global brand partnerships, has brought his net worth to over £41 million, with continued growth as he embraces new off-field leadership roles in global football development.

7. Sir Alex Ferguson

Estimated Net Worth: £53.6 million

No one has left a mark on English football quite like Sir Alex Ferguson. Over 27 years at the helm of Manchester United, he transformed the club into a global powerhouse, collecting an array of Premier League and Champions League trophies. These years at the top translated into substantial earnings, both as a manager and later as a club ambassador, and continued involvement in the sport through writing and public speaking. Ferguson’s financial success matches his storied legacy as arguably the game’s most influential manager.

6. Steven Gerrard

Estimated Net Worth: £74.5 million

Steven Gerrard’s transition from world-class midfielder to football manager has seen mixed results, but his fortune places him among the wealthiest. Following a legendary playing career, Gerrard began managing with a successful spell at Rangers—securing a league title—but faced challenges in subsequent roles. Nonetheless, his wealth is boosted by high-end endorsement deals, broadcasting, and his enduring personal brand built during his playing days at the top level.

5. Zinedine Zidane

Estimated Net Worth: £99 million

Zinedine Zidane’s impact as both player and manager remains exceptional. His tenure at Real Madrid included back-to-back Champions League triumphs, an unprecedented achievement in the modern era. Although his time as a manager spans only a few years, the scope of his contracts, coupled with endorsements and prior commercial activity as a player, have helped amass an impressive net worth approaching £100 million. Even during his hiatus from management, Zidane’s financial stature remains formidable.

4. Pep Guardiola

Estimated Net Worth: £100 million

Pep Guardiola is widely acknowledged for his innovative approach and tactical brilliance—securing domestic titles and European cups at every club he’s led. Whether with Manchester City, Bayern Munich, or Barcelona, Guardiola commands some of the sport’s highest managerial salaries, reflecting both his demand and his achievements. In addition to his club earnings, his commercial partnerships have significantly contributed to his financial status, solidifying his place near the summit of the managerial rich list.

3. José Mourinho

Estimated Net Worth: £100 million

José Mourinho’s illustrious and sometimes controversial managerial journey has spanned FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and beyond. Known for his tactical nous and outspoken persona, Mourinho’s contracts have often been record-setting, and he enjoys a global profile in media and endorsements. This combination has made him, alongside Guardiola, one of the best-compensated managers in football history. His influence extends beyond trophies—he’s a reference point for modern management and motivational psychology in football.

2. Diego Simeone

Estimated Net Worth: £107.7 million

Diego Simeone has created a legacy of stability and competitiveness at Atlético Madrid, a feat rarely seen today. Recognized for building disciplined, hard-to-beat teams, Simeone has elevated Atlético to consistent title contention in Spain and Europe. As the highest-paid active football manager, his lucrative, long-standing contract illustrates the immense value the club places on his leadership—firmly establishing his position as one of the world’s wealthiest coaches.

1. Wayne Rooney

Estimated Net Worth: £170 million

Wayne Rooney, while at the early stages of his managerial career, occupies the top spot partly due to his achievements as an elite player. A prolific striker in his day, Rooney combined lucrative contracts, sponsorship deals, and later, media roles, to build a vast personal fortune. Despite facing struggles in his managerial projects, his wealth sets him apart. This demonstrates how top-level playing careers, when transitioned smartly into management and media, can result in substantial long-term earnings.

Concluding Insights from a Football Industry Specialist

Analyzing the financial trajectories of these managers, one thing becomes clear: elite positions in football management can be as financially rewarding as outstanding playing careers—sometimes even more so. Factors influencing their wealth vary from contract negotiations, commercial activities, to career longevity. As football evolves and the business side expands, this list will continue to see changes, especially with increased investment in global leagues.

For deeper analysis on the business and sporting aspects of football management, and to stay updated with industry insights, consult resources such as Betimate, which offers a comprehensive look into football's evolving landscape from an insider’s perspective.