For most football fans, managers are the sideline tacticians pacing back and forth in tailored suits. But behind the formations and press conferences are bank accounts with decades of salaries, bonuses, and business deals. In 2025, some of them are sitting on fortunes that rival the players they once managed. Here’s a look at the wealthiest football managers right now.
Wayne Rooney – $170 million
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Wayne Rooney hasn’t cracked the coaching code yet, but his wallet doesn’t seem to mind. His wealth mainly stems from a legendary playing career, long-running endorsement deals, and post-retirement media gigs. He tops the rich list despite managerial stints that ended abruptly at Derby County, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle.
Diego Simeone – $140 million
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Diego Simeone’s loyalty to Atlético Madrid has paid off. He’s been one of the best-paid managers for over a decade, thanks to consistent Champions League appearances and domestic success. His intense defensive philosophy and club-first mentality have built serious wealth.
Pep Guardiola – $60 million
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With elite stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has managed football royalty—and been paid like it. He’s known for relentless control and attention to tactical detail and commands high salaries and bonuses tied to team performance.
José Mourinho – $120 million
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The self-described “Special One” has always been good at negotiating, whether it’s with players or the boardroom. José Mourinho’s career includes massive contracts at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Roma. His outspoken personality also makes him a regular on TV and in advertising.
Zinedine Zidane – $120 million
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Zidane’s coaching résumé may be short, but it’s heavy on silverware. Three Champions League titles in as many years with Real Madrid secured him not just glory but large bonuses. Though he hasn’t returned to coaching since 2021, lucrative endorsement deals and a global fanbase keep his income flowing.
Steven Gerrard – $90 million
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Steven Gerrard’s managerial record is mixed, but he’s still in the financial big leagues. After leading Rangers to a league title, he landed well-paid roles at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. That, combined with his Liverpool legacy and personal investments, keeps his fortune steady.
Sir Alex Ferguson – $70 million
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No manager has defined English football more than Sir Alex Ferguson. At Manchester United, he won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies. Although he retired in 2013, he continued to earn from books, speaking gigs, and brand partnerships.
Jürgen Klopp – $50 million
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Jürgen Klopp brought trophies to Liverpool and revived their global image. His recent move to Red Bull Global Soccer as an executive role adds a new paycheck to his already healthy earnings.
Carlo Ancelotti – $50 million
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It’s rare to age as gracefully and lucratively as Carlo Ancelotti. He has built a strong financial foundation with Champions League titles at multiple clubs and decades of experience. As he plans his departure from Real Madrid at the end of the 2024–25 season, retirement looks financially comfortable.
Arsène Wenger – $48 million
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Though Arsène Wenger stepped away from coaching in 2018, his influence remains strong. Now working with FIFA, the former Arsenal boss earns from consultancy, speaking engagements, and book royalties.
Antonio Conte – $90 million
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Antonio Conte is one of those managers clubs bring in to win, regardless of the cost. He’s been at Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Spurs, all with massive contracts and generous severance deals.
Luis Enrique – $38 million
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Luis Enrique’s coaching résumé includes top jobs with Barcelona and Spain, both of which paid handsomely. He has a very diirect style and media shyness, so he hasn’t monetized his fame as much as others.
Frank Lampard – $75 million
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Frank Lampard’s managerial career has had more downs than ups, but financially, he’s well ahead of the curve. Media appearances and property investments have helped grow his wealth further. After a stellar playing career at Chelsea, he stepped into the coaching world with Derby and Chelsea.
Massimiliano Allegri – $4.5 million annual salary
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Massimiliano Allegri led Juventus through one of their most dominant domestic eras. Though his profile isn’t as flashy, Allegri’s consistent top-tier employment and prudent financial planning have put him comfortably on this list.
Brendan Rodgers – $16 million
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Brendan Rodgers has quietly built a steady career and fortune from Liverpool to Celtic to Leicester City. Though he’s yet to break into global coaching stardom, his financial results speak for themselves. His teams play quality football, and his contracts have always reflected the confidence clubs place in him.
