Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has officially become the highest-paid football manager in the world following the departure of Roberto Mancini from his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team. Mancini, who was reportedly earning £21.5 million per year in his lucrative position, saw his contract terminated after just 14 months in charge, during which he oversaw seven wins from 18 matches. His exit has paved the way for Guardiola, already a football legend, to claim the title of the sport’s top earner with an annual salary of around £20 million.
This article will explore the details behind Guardiola’s rise to the top of the earnings list, provide insight into Mancini’s departure from Saudi Arabia, and take a closer look at the top 10 highest-paid managers in world football.
Guardiola: The Highest Paid Manager in World Football
Pep Guardiola has long been regarded as one of the best football managers of all time, and his new status as the world’s highest-paid manager further solidifies his dominance both on and off the pitch. Leading Manchester City to multiple Premier League titles and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy, Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and leadership have made him a sought-after figure in global football.
At 53 years old, Guardiola has been at Manchester City since 2016, and under his guidance, the club has seen an unprecedented period of success. His current contract with City is set to expire next summer, creating speculation around whether he will extend his stay in Manchester or explore new challenges elsewhere. While he has hinted at taking a break from management in the past, Guardiola’s impressive salary and the continued backing from City’s ownership make him a pivotal figure at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s £20 million yearly earnings make him the highest-paid manager in football, a position previously held by Roberto Mancini during his stint in Saudi Arabia.
Roberto Mancini’s Short-Lived Saudi Arabia Tenure
Roberto Mancini, who took the Saudi Arabia job in August 2023, had quickly become the highest-paid manager in world football, reportedly earning £21.5 million per year. However, his time with the Saudi national team was cut short after only 14 months, during which he managed to secure seven wins from 18 matches. His exit followed a disappointing run, including an early exit from the Asia Cup in the last-16 stage, prompting Saudi football authorities to terminate his contract.
Mancini’s departure also reflects the growing ambitions of Saudi football, as the nation has made massive investments into the sport, bringing in high-profile players and coaches to bolster the Saudi Pro League. With Mancini no longer in the fold, questions remain about who will take over the national team as the country continues its push to become a football powerhouse.
Despite his exit, Mancini is rumored to be in line for a substantial payout from his Saudi contract, underlining the financial clout the nation possesses in the football world.
Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone: The Next Highest Earners
While Pep Guardiola tops the list, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has risen to second place among the highest-paid managers in the world, earning £15 million annually after signing a contract extension in 2023. Arteta, a former Guardiola protege, has transformed Arsenal into a title-contending team once again, with his leadership and tactical acumen being rewarded by the Gunners’ hierarchy.
Arteta’s rise through the managerial ranks has been swift, and his role in Arsenal’s resurgence has not gone unnoticed. His significant pay increase reflects the club’s belief that Arteta is the man to lead them back to Premier League glory after years of underachievement.
Third on the list is long-serving Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who earns £13 million per year. Simeone, who has been with Atletico since 2011, was previously one of the highest-paid managers in the world, reportedly earning as much as £16 million annually before agreeing to a salary reduction in 2023. Despite the pay cut, Simeone remains one of the best-paid managers globally, thanks to his success in making Atletico a consistent force in La Liga and European competition.
Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, and Other High Earners
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti ranks fourth among the top earners, with a salary of £9.6 million per year. Ancelotti, who guided Real Madrid to Champions League success in 2022, remains a respected figure in world football. His latest contract extension with the Spanish giants reflects his importance to the club’s ongoing ambitions.
In fifth place is Jose Mourinho, the “Special One,” who now manages Fenerbahce in Turkey. Despite not being at a European football powerhouse, Mourinho’s reputation has allowed him to command a salary of £8.7 million per year. His move to Fenerbahce highlights his enduring appeal in world football, where his tactical prowess and larger-than-life personality continue to draw attention.
Former Benfica manager Jorge Jesus, who now coaches Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, earns £8.4 million annually. Al Hilal, a club that boasts star players such as Neymar, Ruben Neves, and Joao Cancelo, remains a dominant force in the Saudi Pro League, and Jesus’ high salary reflects the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique ranks seventh on the list, with an annual salary of £7.5 million. Enrique, who previously managed Spain’s national team and Barcelona, now leads a PSG side filled with superstars as they continue their pursuit of European glory.
Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag: Premier League’s Rising Stars
Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag round out the top 10 highest-paid managers, both earning £6.8 million per year. Slot, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024, has quickly made a name for himself with his tactical expertise and fresh approach to the game. Liverpool’s decision to bring him in has paid off so far, with the team showing promise in both domestic and European competitions.
Erik ten Hag, who has been at Manchester United since 2022, has also established himself as one of the top managers in the Premier League. Despite some challenges at Old Trafford, his tactical knowledge and leadership skills have earned him a place among the highest-paid managers in the world.
Vincent Kompany Completes the Top 10
Rounding out the top 10 is former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who now manages Bayern Munich. Kompany, who has steadily risen through the managerial ranks, earns £6.7 million per year, with the potential to reach £7.67 million with bonuses. His success with Bayern will be closely watched, as he looks to bring his leadership qualities to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Football Managers in 2024:
- Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – £20m per year
- Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) – £15m per year
- Diego Simeone (Atletico Madrid) – £13m per year
- Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid) – £9.6m per year
- Jose Mourinho (Fenerbahce) – £8.7m per year
- Jorge Jesus (Al Hilal) – £8.4m per year
- Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain) – £7.5m per year
- Arne Slot (Liverpool) – £6.8m per year
- Erik ten Hag (Manchester United) – £6.8m per year
- Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich) – £6.7m per year
