Top 20 Football Managers in the World Ranked for 2026
In 2026, the football world boasts a mix of seasoned coaches who have conquered every trophy and ambitious newcomers recently retired from playing, eager to leave their mark. With the 2025-26 season behind us and the 2026 World Cup underway, managers at both club and international level have a chance to boost their reputations.
This ranking reflects recent achievements, trophies won, longevity, and performance relative to expectations. International and currently unemployed managers are ranked lower due to fewer recent games.
20. Andoni Iraola
- Current team: Liverpool
When Bournemouth replaced Gary O'Neil with Andoni Iraola, many were skeptical. Yet, backed by new signings, Iraola transformed the side, guiding them to their best-ever Premier League points tally and Europa League qualification. His hardworking style earned trust, and now he faces a new challenge with Liverpool on a two-year contract.
19. Christian Chivu
- Current team: Inter Milan
Chivu, a former Inter legend with multiple titles including the treble under Mourinho, moved from youth management to senior roles with Parma and now Inter. After securing the Serie A title last season, he has time to grow into one of Europe’s top coaches.
18. Luis de la Fuente
- Current team: Spain
Promoted from Spain’s youth setup, Luis de la Fuente led Spain to a dominant Euro 2024 victory, winning all seven matches including a 2-1 final over England. With a talented young squad, he looks set to keep Spain competitive on the international stage as the World Cup unfolds.
17. Enzo Maresca
- Current team: Manchester City
Replacing Pep Guardiola, Maresca brings experience from Chelsea, where his tenure ended abruptly. Known for tournament success including a Club World Cup win, his relationship with Manchester City's leadership will be key. If he blends European know-how with Premier League consistency, his ranking could rise fast.
16. Carlo Ancelotti
- Current team: Brazil
Ancelotti's legacy is immense, with five Champions League trophies and league titles across four major European leagues. Now leading Brazil, he faces pressure to revive a struggling national team. Though questions remain about his current form, his history as the competition’s most successful manager is unmatched.
15. Jose Mourinho
- Current team: Real Madrid
Mourinho has claimed almost every major trophy during his career, including spells at Chelsea and Manchester United. Recent years have been less fruitful with Fenerbahce and Benfica, but Real Madrid offers him a high-profile chance to demonstrate he still commands respect amid a star-studded squad.
14. Diego Simeone
- Current team: Atletico Madrid
One of Europe's longest-serving managers, Simeone's pragmatic approach has kept Atletico competitive domestically and in Europe. Earning £25.9 million annually, he delivers strong performances but has struggled to add more trophies, with multiple seasons ending empty-handed despite Champions League semi-final runs.
13. Simone Inzaghi
- Current team: Al-Hilal
After impressive work at Inter Milan, narrowly missing Champions League glory twice, Inzaghi moved to Saudi Arabia following a heavy European defeat. Despite winning Serie A again, failing to secure a European title holds him back. His recent Club World Cup win against Man City was a surprise highlight.
12. Xabi Alonso
- Current team: Chelsea
Alonso had a remarkable spell managing Bayer Leverkusen, breaking Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance and winning the German league and DFB Pokal. Despite losing the Europa League final, he attracted interest from top clubs and briefly managed Real Madrid before moving to Chelsea for the upcoming season.
11. Jurgen Klopp
- Current team: Germany
Klopp returned to management with Germany after a break, tasked with rebuilding following early exits in Euro 2024 and the World Cup Round of 32. Known for extracting peak performances without lavish resources, his leadership and charisma offer hope for the future of Die Mannschaft.
