Some football managers in England are among the highest paid in the world as elite clubs and wealthy owners invest heavily in coaches capable of delivering domestic and continental success
Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi tops the latest ranking of the world’s highest-paid football managers, with a reported annual salary of €26 million, followed by Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone on €235 million.
The list, published by Salary Leaks, features coaches from the Premier League, Spanish football and the Saudi Pro League, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca among the highest earners
Here are the 10 highest-paid football managers in 2026, according to the reported salary figures
Italian coach Simone Inzaghi tops the ranking with an annual salary of €26 million at Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal
Inzaghi joined the club in 2025 after leaving Inter Milan, where he established himself as one of Europe’s leading managers
During his time at Inter, he won domestic honours and guided the Italian side to two UEFA Champions League finals His move to Saudi Arabia reflects the league’s growing financial power and ambition to attract prominent football figures.
His contract with Al-Hilal is listed as running until 2027
Age: 50Annual salary: €26 millionContract expires: 2027
Diego Simeone ranks second with a reported annual salary of €235 million at Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine has managed the Spanish club since 2011, transforming it into a consistent challenger to Real Madrid and Barcelona
Under his leadership, Atletico won the La Liga title in the 2013/14 and 2020/21 seasons and reached two Champions League finals
Simeone’s long tenure and achievements have made him one of the most influential managers in Spanish football
His reported contract runs until 2027
Age: 48, according to the supplied dataAnnual salary: €235 millionContract expires: 2027
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique occupies third place with a reported annual salary of €20 million
The Spanish coach previously led Barcelona to a historic treble in the 2014/15 season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League
At PSG, he has continued to build his reputation through domestic success and European competition His reported contract runs until 2030, indicating the club’s long-term commitment to his leadership.
Enrique’s tactical approach and experience at elite European clubs have made him one of the most highly regarded managers in the game
Age: 56, according to the supplied dataAnnual salary: €20 millionContract expires: 2030
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is fourth on the list, with a reported annual salary of £15 million in the supplied figures
The Spaniard has overseen Arsenal’s return to consistent Premier League title contention since taking charge in December 2019
Arteta won the FA Cup in 2020 and has helped establish a competitive squad built around young talents and experienced internationals
His reported contract runs until 2027 in the supplied data However, reports published in October 2026 indicate that Arsenal have agreed a new deal with the manager, potentially worth substantially more than the figure listed here.
Age: 44Annual salary: £15 million in the supplied dataContract expires: 2027 in the supplied data
Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho ranks fifth, earning a reported €12 million annually
Mourinho is among football’s most recognisable coaches, having won major trophies across several European leagues during his managerial career
His previous achievements include winning La Liga with Real Madrid in the 2011/12 season, when the team accumulated 100 points
Mourinho’s experience and reputation for competing for major honours continue to make him a prominent figure in world football
His contract is listed as running until 2029
Age: 63Annual salary: €12 millionContract expires: 2029
Ange Postecoglou ranks sixth with a reported annual salary of €117 million at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
The Australian coach previously managed Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest before taking up his reported role in Saudi Arabia
Postecoglou is known for his attacking philosophy and commitment to an aggressive style of play His challenge at Al-Nassr is to translate that approach into success while managing the expectations associated with a club featuring prominent international players.
His reported contract runs until 2028
Age: 61Annual salary: €117 millionContract expires: 2028
Oliver Glasner earns a reported £115 million annually at Nottingham Forest, placing him seventh on the list.
The Austrian gained recognition for his work at Crystal Palace, where he led the club to major cup success
His tactical organisation and ability to improve team performance attracted interest from several prominent clubs
At Forest, he is expected to build on that reputation and help the club compete more consistently in the Premier League
His reported contract runs until 2029
Age: 52Annual salary: £115 millionContract expires: 2029
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso shares the seventh-place salary bracket with Glasner, earning a reported £115 million annually.
Alonso became one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches after leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season
His tactical approach, emphasis on possession and ability to develop players helped establish his reputation as a leading managerial talent
Chelsea’s reported investment in Alonso reflects the club’s ambition to compete for major domestic and European honours
His contract is listed as running until 2030
Age: 44Annual salary: £115 millionContract expires: 2030
Luciano Spalletti ranks ninth with a reported annual salary of €112 million at Juventus.
The Italian coach made his mark by guiding Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season, ending the club’s 33-year wait for another league championship
He has also managed the Italian national team, bringing extensive experience in domestic and international football
At Juventus, Spalletti’s task is to help restore the club’s standing among Italy’s leading sides and strengthen its competitiveness in European competitions
His reported contract runs until 2028
Age: 67Annual salary: €112 millionContract expires: 2028
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca completes the top 10 with a reported annual salary of £10 million
Maresca faces the challenge of maintaining City’s success following Pep Guardiola’s departure after a decade at the club
The Italian previously managed Chelsea and gained experience working within Manchester City’s coaching structure
His appointment represents a significant responsibility, with City expected to remain competitive in the Premier League and European football
Maresca’s reported contract runs until 2029
Age: 46Annual salary: £10 millionContract expires: 2029