How Much Do Football Managers Get Paid

Ever wondered how much a football manager gets paid each year? Their salaries aren’t just numbers, they reflect the power of league stature, club finances, and managerial success. 

And in 2025, the figures are staggering.

Key Managerial Salaries in 2025:

• Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid): £25.9 million per year (GIVEMESPORT.COM)
• Pep Guardiola (Manchester City): £20.7 million per year (GIVEMESPORT.COM)
• Mikel Arteta (Arsenal): £15.6 million per year (GIVEMESPORT.COM)
• Stefano Pioli (Al Nassr): £15.5 million per year
• Thomas Tuchel (England National Team): £6-7 million per year (TALKSPORT.COM)
• Average League One Manager Salary: £180,000 per year
• Average League Two Manager Salary: £80,000 per year

The financial arms race for elite managers is heating up, and it’s not just Europe setting the pace anymore. The Saudi Pro League, with its vast budgets, has emerged as a disruptor, attracting top managerial talent like Stefano Pioli, who now earns £15.5 million annually at Al Nassr.

The Highs, Lows, and Price Tag of Football Management

“There’s only two types of manager. Those who’ve been sacked and those who will be sacked in the future.” – Howard Wilkinson, Leeds.

It’s certainly true that some managers are under immense pressure to lead their teams to the top of the league table. It’s also true that managers can receive criticism by both fans and the media after a single defeat.

But with football being the world’s most popular sport, there is much at stake, both financially and reputationally. So, it’s no surprise that football managers feel the pressure throughout every game.

Every team selection, strategic decision, and tactical approach is open to scrutiny, praised when successful, criticised when it fails. Football performance has always been analysed, but with modern coverage, it is now under more intense scrutiny than ever before.

With global broadcasting and online streaming, fans can watch live games from leagues worldwide. The coverage is extensive, with reports and analysis available across countless platforms.

A select few elite managers earn substantial rewards, enjoy widespread recognition, and consistently secure major trophies. Howard Wilkinson’s point about the ruthless nature of management is valid, but it’s still a role that remains highly sought after and deeply respected.

But how much does a football manager get paid for their time, skill, and expertise? The answer depends on several factors.

Overview of Manager Salaries

The English Premier League, the world’s most popular football league, pays vast sums to its top managers. Pep Guardiola leads the pack with a staggering £20.7 million per season, while Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta follows with a £15.6 million salary.

Another well-respected European league, La Liga, boasts the world’s highest-paid manager. Diego Simeone is believed to earn an annual wage of around, and possibly in excess of, £25.9 million. Carlo Ancelotti reportedly takes home just over £9 million each year.

In Serie A, the highest-paid managers earn just under £5.5 million a year. This figure drops as you move down the league table, with salaries ranging between £1.3 million and £3 million.

This is the elite tier of football management. Their success in winning leagues and trophies has earned them both a formidable reputation and a lucrative salary.

However, these figures do not represent all managers in the top leagues. Within the Premier League, salaries vary significantly, and the same can be said across all major European leagues.

What Factors Influence How Much Football Managers Get Paid?

Football player salaries have evolved dramatically. From the first-ever £100-a-week player in 1961, some players now earn over £400,000 per week.

Like players, football managers have several factors that influence their salary.

• Previous achievements, league titles, tournament success, and trophy wins all impact a manager’s reputation and earning potential.
• The highest-paid managers have secured trophies at both national and international levels.
• Up-and-coming managers are also in high demand and can command premium salaries, especially if they show promise at the top level.
• Performance-related bonuses play a role. When Pep Guardiola won the treble with Manchester City, he reportedly earned around £750,000 in bonuses, more than an EFL League One coach would earn over several years.
• A manager like Klopp, known for developing and nurturing young talent, possesses skills that clubs are willing to pay a premium for. Clubs actively seek coaches who can cultivate future stars.

It takes a certain calibre of coach to lead the world’s biggest players—confidence and authority are essential.

Lower League and Grassroots Football Manager Salaries

While elite football is saturated with money, lower leagues operate on much tighter budgets.

• League One managers earn an average of £180,000 per year.
• League Two managers take home around £80,000 per year.

Unlike elite clubs, lower-league teams generate less revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and media deals, making it harder to fund high managerial salaries.

Football Manager Salaries vs. Player Salaries

Generally, managers earn salaries comparable to a team’s highest-paid player. However, in some cases, they earn even more. When Sean Dyche managed Burnley, he earned £20,000 a week more than the club’s highest-paid player, Chris Wood.

Star players often command higher wages due to their commercial appeal, driving ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and global sponsorship deals. Icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have transcended the sport, becoming global brands.

While players showcase their skills on the pitch, managers are responsible for team strategy, tactics, and development. Their influence extends beyond matchdays, shaping the squad’s performance both on and off the field.

The Pay Gap Between Club and International Football Managers

Thomas Tuchel officially became England manager on 1st January 2025, taking a significant pay cut for the role. His £6-7 million annual salary (excluding bonuses) from the FA is less than half of what he earned at Chelsea (£10 million).

Traditionally, international managers earn less than club managers, though there are exceptions. Despite the pay cut, Tuchel remains the second-highest-paid international manager, with only Saudi Arabia’s Roberto Mancini earning more at £19.8 million per year.

Comparatively, this is more than 12 times the salary of England Women’s manager Sarina Wiegman, who earns just £400,000 per year—highlighting the significant pay gap in football management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a football manager get paid in the UK?

Football manager salaries in the UK vary widely. Premier League managers can earn millions per year, while those in lower leagues earn significantly less. League One managers make around £180,000 annually, and League Two managers earn about £80,000. International managers, like England’s coach, earn less than top club managers.

How much do Premier League managers earn?

Top Premier League managers earn between £5 million and £20 million per year. Pep Guardiola is one of the highest-paid, making around £20.7 million annually. Salaries depend on the manager’s success, experience, and club finances. Some also receive performance-related bonuses for winning trophies.

How much do England football managers get paid?

The England men’s national team manager earns less than top club managers. Thomas Tuchel, the current manager, earns between £6-7 million per year. This is significantly lower than club salaries, as international football typically pays less. The England women’s manager, Sarina Wiegman, earns about £400,000 annually.

How much does a football manager get paid in League One?

League One managers earn an average salary of around £180,000 per year. This is much lower than Premier League wages due to smaller budgets, lower revenue from sponsorships, and fewer financial incentives in the lower leagues. Some top League One managers may earn more, depending on their club’s finances.