Revealed: The Highest-Paid Football Managers in the World for the 2026/27 Season

As the new football season approaches, teams and leagues prepare for a fresh start following a campaign that featured a mega Fifa World Cup. Significant changes have occurred in management since the previous season concluded. Manchester City's talismanic manager, Pep Guardiola, finished his stellar 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium and was replaced by his former assistant, Enzo Maresca.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest appointed their fifth head coach in less than a year by bringing in former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner. Other major moves took place across the football world, including Jose Mourinho making a sensational return as Real Madrid manager on a three-year deal following a turbulent campaign that saw the departures of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

While players command the highest earnings in the sport, top managers also secure substantial salaries. The highest-paid managers for the 2026/27 season, based on data from salaryleaks.com and reports, are detailed below:

1. Simone Inzaghi (Al Hilal) - $30 million per year
2. Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid) – $27m per year
3. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) - $20m per year
4. Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forrest) – $17.5m per year
5. Xabi Alonso (Chelsea) – $17.5m per year
6. Enzo Maresca (Manchester City) – $16m per year
7. Roberto De Zerbi (Tottenham) - $16m per year
8. Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid) - $14m per year
9. Luis Enrique (PSG) - $14m per year
10. Ange Postecoglou (Al Nassr) – $13.5m per year