The 25 best managers in men's world football - ranked

Being a football manager is unforgiving, stress-inducing and often thankless work. However, with it comes the potential to be lauded and adored by millions.

It takes a myriad of managerial profiles for the football ecosystem to survive, from your gruff English old-schoolers, to your energetic touchline sprinters and suave notepad wielders.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with modern football having been merciless in dispatching of the tactical dinosaurs and data-haters. A new era of uber intellectual managers exists, with a sprinkling of more seasoned pros for good measure.

Based on their current status and achievements, here are the best 25 managers in world football right now.

Honourable mentions and managers on the up:

• Maurizio Sarri
• Mauricio Pochettino
• Jose Mourinho
• Erik ten Hag
• Enzo Maresca
• Eddie Howe
• Marco Rose
• Thiago Motta
• Edin Terzic
• Sergio Conceicao
• Andoni Iraola
• Roger Schmidt
• Sebastian Hoeneß
• Xavi Hernandez
• Ernesto Valverde
• Peter Bosz
• Roberto De Zerbi
• Eric Roy

25. Michel

Currently in charge of: Girona

Michel is one of modern football's hottest managerial prospects following an exceptional ascent with City Football Group-owned Girona. The Spaniard had the Catalan outfit competing for top spot in La Liga for much of last season, eventually settling for a Champions League spot down the stretch.

Girona's ownership means it's not quite as romantic a tale as some have reported, but Michel still deserves enormous credit for getting the club promoted in 2021/22 and ushering in a new era in the seasons that have followed.

24. Antonio Conte

Currently in charge of: Napoli

Antonio Conte's stock has seldom been lower across his illustrious career. The fiery Italian has enjoyed incredible success with Juventus, Chelsea and Inter but an underwhelming spell at Tottenham Hotspur saw his reputation take a significant blow.

However, Conte has set about rebuilding his image back in Italy, taking charge of Napoli for the 2024/25 season. The 2022/23 Scudetto winners have taken a gamble on the divisive but experienced head coach hoping it brings significant rewards.

23. Luis Enrique

Currently in charge of: Paris Saint-Germain

Luis Enrique has been the man tasked with leading Paris Saint-Germain into a new era. The French giants still have their wealthy owners to call upon but they have lost their galacticos in recent seasons as Neymar Jr., Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe all departed.

The experienced Spaniard, who has previously taken charge of Barcelona and Spain, is attempting to change the culture in Paris, prioritising team cohesion and identity over individual artistry.

It's a mighty challenge but one that Enrique is capable of overcoming.

22. Massimiliano Allegri

Currently in charge of: Unemployed

Max Allegri made the return to Juventus in 2021 to help steady the ship following Andrea Pirlo's difficult spell in charge of the Turin club. However, despite a Coppa Italia triumph just two days before his departure, things ended on a sour note for the Italian.

Allegri is as experienced as they come but his negative tactics and frostiness have dented his reputation in the modern era, with his place on this list under threat following some difficult years on the touchline.

21. Ange Postecoglou

Currently in charge of: Tottenham Hotspur

The Tottenham job is not for the faint-hearted. While the spotlight isn't too blinding for those in the hot seat, the weight of trying to bring a first piece of silverware to the club since 2008 isn't easy to shrug off.

Ange Postecoglou made an impressive start to his reign in north London but it hasn't been plain sailing since. The free-flowing, high-risk football is sensational when it works but does come with significant downsides.

Only time will tell if Postecoglou can fill Spurs' trophy cabinet but his spell in charge certainly hasn't been boring.

20. Gian Piero Gasperini

Currently in charge of: Atalanta

A criminally underappreciated coach, Gian Piero Gasperini continues to defy expectations with Atalanta in Italy. Despite having a shoestring budget in comparison to sides around them, the underdogs consistently find a way to upset the odds.

La Dea even won the Europa League in 2023/24, toppling Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen en route to their first European trophy. Gasperini continues to flummox the world's best coaches with his intense and brave man-to-man set-up.

19. Ruben Amorim

Currently in charge of: Manchester United

Having dazzled audiences in Portugal and beyond during an exceptional spell with Sporting CP, Ruben Amorim couldn't ignore the call from Manchester United.

Winning two Primeira Liga titles in Lisbon, including a first in 19 years during the 2020/21 season, quickly endeared him to the masses and the Red Devils will be keen to benefit from the young Portuguese coach and his tactical ingenuity.

Whether he's chewed up and spat out at Old Trafford remains to be seen but he's certainly one of the world's most exciting coaches as things stand.

18. Stefano Pioli

Currently in charge of: Al Nassr

Until his appointment at Milan in 2019, Stefano Pioli was just another Serie A journeyman, but he has broken free from those shackles of a stereotype after enjoying a hugely successful period in charge at San Siro.

The Italian guided the Rossoneri to the Serie A title in 2021/22 and helped them reach the Champions League semi-final the following season.

However, after somewhat surprisingly leaving Milan at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Pioli is in danger of fading into obscurity after taking charge of Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr.

17. Julian Nagelsmann

Currently in charge of: Germany

Harshly treated at Bayern Munich, Julian Nagelsmann has since taken his talents to the international scene. Managing Germany at a home European Championships last summer, the young coach would have hoped to go further than the quarter-final, but he still impressed in unifying a previously disjointed German team.

Nagelsmann dazzled during his days at club level but will have fewer chances to impress on the international stage. Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the former RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim coach will be keen to become a national hero.

16. Luciano Spalletti

Currently in charge of: Italy

Luciano Spalletti won Napoli their first title in 33 years in 2022/23, an achievement which cannot be understated - especially given the attractive brand of football they played en route to the crown.

Now in charge of Italy, Spalletti is keen to enjoy similar success in his first international post, but a disastrous Euro 2024 campaign raised questions over his future as Azzurri boss.

The Italian has been given the chance to put things right but performances must improve significantly before the 2026 World Cup.

15. Didier Deschamps

Currently in charge of: France

It's always difficult to know just how good a manger is when they have been in international management for so long, but Didier Deschamps has taken France to two World Cup finals - one of which he won.

He does have some impressive players at his disposal, but that shouldn't detract from what he has achieved with the French national team.

He's not universally loved back home and his stock has taken a hit in recent years.

14. Zinedine Zidane

Currently in charge of: Unemployed

14th may be a tad high for a manager who has been unemployed since 2021, but there still aren't too many coaches who can say they have won three Champions League trophies.

There are plenty of clubs who would kill for Zinedine Zidane in the dugout, but he seems to be waiting for the perfect opportunity to return to the touchline.

Reportedly holding out for the France position, it will be intriguing to see when Zizou decides to make his comeback.

13. Hansi Flick

Currently in charge of: Barcelona

Hansi Flick made his mark when returning to a head coach position in 2019. The German swiftly found his feet at Bayern Munich and engineered a remarkable treble during the Covid-hit 2019/20 season, guiding Die Roten back to the summit of European football.

However, after leaving Bavaria to become the German national team manager, Flick's stock fell after a surprisingly disappointing spell in international football.

Flick became the first Germany manager to ever be dismissed in 2023 but has a shot at redemption following a move to Barcelona. The early signs are overwhelmingly positive.

12. Thomas Tuchel

Currently in charge of: England

Thomas Tuchel has never lasted too long anywhere he's been but that doesn't mean he's not an exceptional coach. He's won silverware at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and most recently Bayern Munich, even if he's often left his past clubs on a slightly sour note.

However, his managerial ability will be put to the test like never before after being announced as the England manager, with Tuchel's pragmatic approach and German passport unlikely to endear him to the Three Lions faithful.

Regardless, his trophy cabinet points to a world-class manager.

11. Arne Slot

Currently in charge of: Liverpool

Arne Slot rose to prominence in his native Netherlands after impressing with AZ Alkmaar but it was his success with Feyenoord that thrust him into the spotlight.

Slot guided the Dutch side to the Europa Conference League final in his first season at the club before winning the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup in the following two campaigns.

Such eye-catching performances saw him attract the attention of Liverpool, being drafted in to replace the iconic Jurgen Klopp. Despite having enormous shoes to fill, Slot's reign has started impressively.

10. Luis de la Fuente

Currently in charge of: Spain

Luis de la Fuente would have placed much lower on this particular list prior to the 2024 European Championship.

The former Alaves coach had spent much of his career working with youth teams, including rising through the ranks within the Spanish set-up. Promoted to the top job in 2022, De la Fuente swiftly won favour with home crowds by lifting the Nations League.

Spain were given an outside shot of claiming a record fourth European crown but few expected such an impressive run to the title. La Roja won all seven of their matches en route to glory under De la Fuente and were worthy winners on the continental stage.

9. Lionel Scaloni

Currently in charge of: Argentina

The man who coached Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986 - beating Deschamps' France in the 2022 final - Lionel Scaloni has enjoyed a productive period in charge of Lionel Messi and co.

The 45-year-old has never managed at club level, so we can only go by his achievements on the international stage, but they're hugely impressive.

Two Copa America titles and a World Cup trophy? That's not too bad.

8. Xabi Alonso

Currently in charge of: Bayer Leverkusen

The man who has sent Bayern Munich spiralling into a chasm of self-doubt, Xabi Alonso has masterminded a revolution at Bayer Leverkusen.

The perennial underachievers won their first ever Bundesliga title in 2023/24, while also lifting the DFB Pokal after going unbeaten domestically. If it were not for Gasperini's Atalanta in the Europa League final, they would have claimed a historic treble.

Alonso rejected the opportunity to replace Klopp and team up with his former side Liverpool, instead focusing on building a legacy in Leverkusen. However, it won't be long before the suave Spaniard is tested at one of Europe's traditional giants.

7. Unai Emery

Currently in charge of: Aston Villa

Unai Emery genuinely had people believing that Aston Villa were title challengers for about two months of last season's Premier League. That's simply insane.

The Spaniard has massively overachieved in the Midlands and has put plenty of other Premier League coaches to shame following Villa's success.

Securing Champions League football for the Villans was an incredible achievement and the former Europa League king continues to be underappreciated on the touchline.

6. Diego Simeone

Currently in charge of: Atletico Madrid

Every time you think that Diego Simeone's reign at Atletico Madrid has run its course, he always finds a way to slightly tweak their team and go again.

His longevity and tactical prowess is impressive, even if you don't love watching his side play. Atletico have intermittently broken up the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid over the past decade, something Spanish football fans can be thankful for.

The animated Argentine is still one of the best in class.

5. Mikel Arteta

Currently in charge of: Arsenal

Mikel Arteta looked as if he may be another failed experiment at Arsenal, but the Spaniard has slowly built his side into an immense force following some clever recruitment and tactical tweaks.

The Gunners have twice come close to winning the Premier League title and would have claimed a first since 2003/04 if it hadn't been for Arteta's mentor Pep Guardiola.

Another hugely talented Spanish coach, Arsenal's future and present are in safe hands with their former midfielder.

4. Simone Inzaghi

Currently in charge of: Inter

At Inter, Simone Inzaghi has combined two very important footballing traits - the ability to sweep up trophies without needing to play a horrible style.

Inter reached the Champions League final in 2022/23 and were more than a match for eventual winners Manchester City. Despite obvious disappointment from the showpiece event, Inter picked themselves up and cantered to the 2023/24 Serie A title.

Inzaghi is a Swiss Army knife manager, capable of producing the perfect game plan to stifle any opponent.

3. Carlo Ancelotti

Currently in charge of: Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has forgotten more about football than many of us will ever know. The silver-haired maestro has long been conducting on the sidelines and has one of the most impressive CVs in the history of football.

The Italian has continued to add to his remarkable trophy cabinet since moving back to Real Madrid, including two La Liga and two Champions League titles.

The pragmatic veteran finds a way to win no matter the circumstance, making him a perfect fit at the Santiago Bernabeu.

2. Jurgen Klopp

Currently in charge of: Unemployed

Liverpool supporters are still grieving the departure of Jurgen Klopp, although Slot's impressive start has lifted the mood. The German turned doubters into believers during his incredible spell at Anfield, with the Reds becoming English, European and world champions under his guidance.

The high-energy football on display from Klopp's Liverpool was extraordinary and only a turbo-charged Man City side were able to stop the Merseyside club from filling their trophy cabinet further.

Currently taking a break from the touchline - potentially forever - Klopp remains one of the world's elite coaches.

1. Pep Guardiola

Currently in charge of: Manchester City

Jibe him for being a 'chequebook manager' all you want, but no coach still in the game is more successful than Pep Guardiola.

He has won everything on offer with Man City following immensely successful stints with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, even bringing the elusive Champions League trophy to the Etihad as part of an exceptional treble in 2022/23.

The Spanish innovator continues to find new and interesting ways to make Man City purr and there can be no doubting his position as the world's greatest.

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