In modern football, managers are no longer just team selectors or sideline spectators. They’re tacticians, spokespersons, architects of systems, and sometimes even therapists. Over the past 25 years, a handful of managers have done more than just win trophies. They have also changed the way the game is played, structured football cultures, and defined legacies for generations.
This is the definitive and fully detailed ranking of the 25 greatest football managers of the 21st century so far.
- Top managers control more than matches—they control clubs. They set the style, pick the players, and shape the club’s direction.
- Managers like Ranieri and Simeone proved that changing a club’s story can matter more than trophies.
- Guardiola, Ancelotti, and Mourinho proved they can succeed in different countries, with different teams, and under different pressures.
25. Claudio Ranieri – The Miracle at Leicester (2015–2016)
- Nationality: Italian
- Age (2025): 74
- Managerial Jobs Since 2000: 17
- Best Known For: Leading Leicester City to the 2015–16 Premier League title against 5000/1 odds
- Notable Quote: “Dilly ding, dilly dong!”
When Ranieri took over Leicester in July 2015, the club had the fourth-lowest wage bill in the Premier League. Their striker, Jamie Vardy, had played non-league football; N’Golo Kanté was a budget signing unknown in England; and the starting center-backs, Wes Morgan and Robert Huth, had a combined age of 62.
Ranieri instilled a basic 4-4-2, prioritized aggressive pressing, long balls, and deadly counters, and let Riyad Mahrez and Vardy produce magic. They finished with 81 points, and their title win remains the biggest upset in football history.
Despite being sacked nine months later, Ranieri will always be a Premier League legend.
24. Marcello Lippi – World Cup Winner in Chaos (2006)
- Nationality: Italian
- Trophies in the 21st Century:
- 2006 FIFA World Cup (Italy)
- 3 Chinese Super League titles (Guangzhou Evergrande)
- 1 AFC Champions League (2013)
Lippi’s crowning moment was guiding Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, beating Germany in the semi-finals and France on penalties in the final after Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in extra time. Italy was unbeaten and conceded only two goals all tournament.
Later, he moved to China—a bold decision—and dominated the Chinese Super League, winning 3 consecutive titles and the Asian Champions League in 2013.
23. Jupp Heynckes – The Gentleman Who Engineered Bayern’s Treble (2013)
- Nationality: German
- Key Accomplishments:
- Champions League (Real Madrid 1998, Bayern 2013)
- Bundesliga (4 total)
- DFB Pokal (2013)
- First treble in German football history (2013)
Heynckes was fired the day after delivering Real Madrid’s first European Cup in 32 years in 1998. Years later, he returned to Bayern Munich for his third spell. In 2013, he won the Bundesliga in record time (earliest ever title win), with the most points (91), most wins (29), and best goal difference (+80) in history.
They also beat Dortmund in the Champions League final and Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal to complete the treble, knowing Guardiola was replacing him. He returned one more time in 2017–18 and won the league again at age 73.
22. Louis van Gaal – The Philosopher and Showman
- Nationality: Dutch
- Titles Since 2000:
- Bundesliga (2009–10, Bayern Munich)
- Eredivisie (AZ Alkmaar 2008–09)
- FA Cup (Manchester United 2016)
Van Gaal’s 21st century began poorly. He failed to qualify the Netherlands for the 2002 World Cup and was sacked from Barcelona in 2003. But in 2009, he led AZ Alkmaar to their second Eredivisie title ever.
At Bayern, he won the Bundesliga in his first season and reached the 2010 Champions League final. He was sacked in 2011 after showing his genitals to the team to “prove a point” to Franck Ribery.
In 2014, he took the Netherlands to a World Cup semi-final, including a tactical masterclass vs. Spain (5–1 win). At Manchester United, he won the FA Cup but was sacked days later. During the 2022 World Cup, he coached the Netherlands while battling prostate cancer.
21. Simone Inzaghi – The Underrated Genius
- Nationality: Italian
- Achievements:
- Coppa Italia (2019, Lazio)
- Champions League Finalist (2023, Inter)
- 8 wins in 9 domestic finals
Inzaghi took over Lazio in 2016 after Marcelo Bielsa resigned after one week. He led them to three top-five finishes and a Coppa Italia. In 2021, he moved to Inter Milan, where he reached the Champions League final in 2023, narrowly losing 1–0 to Manchester City. His tactical flexibility and calm presence make him one of the most respected managers in Europe, even if his name is rarely in the headlines.
20. Joachim Löw – The Man Behind Germany’s Renaissance
- Nationality: German
- Key Honors:
- FIFA World Cup (2014)
- Confederations Cup (2017)
- Euro Finalist (2008)
- 2 WC semi-finals (2010, 2014)
Löw guided Germany to six straight semi-finals from 2006–2016, culminating in the 2014 World Cup win in Brazil. That run included the historic 7–1 win over Brazil, the Mineirazo, and a final win over Argentina.
His last years were disappointing (group stage exit in 2018 and Euro 2020), but his impact on Germany’s high-pressing, modern style remains foundational.
19. Rafa Benítez – The Polarising Strategist
- Nationality: Spanish
- Trophies Since 2000:
- La Liga x2, UEFA Cup (Valencia)
- Champions League (Liverpool, 2005)
- Europa League (Chelsea, 2013)
- Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana (Napoli)
- Club World Cup (Inter, 2010)
- Promotion and Championship (Newcastle)
Benítez is a master tactician with an eye for detail. At Valencia, he won La Liga in 2002 and 2004—their only titles in over 30 years—and added a UEFA Cup. In his first year at Liverpool, he won the 2005 Champions League, coming from 3–0 down against AC Milan.
His Chelsea stint in 2013 ended in Europa League glory, despite being booed every match. With Newcastle, he won promotion and stayed loyal during a conflict with owner Mike Ashley. His time at Everton and Celta Vigo ended quickly, proving his outdated man-management style often clashes with modern players.
18. Massimiliano Allegri – The Reluctant Champion
- Nationality: Italian
- Major Achievements:
- Serie A x5 (Juventus, 2015–2019)
- Coppa Italia x4
- Champions League finalist x2
- Over 1000 Serie A points
- 41-match unbeaten home league run
Allegri succeeded Antonio Conte at Juventus and extended their dominance. His team reached two Champions League finals (2015 vs. Barcelona, and2017 vs. Real Madrid). Allegri is the only coach in history to win four domestic doubles in consecutive seasons.
He returned in 2021, but Juventus were docked 10 points for financial irregularities—he still nearly took them to the top four. He was sacked again in 2024 after arguing with club officials during the Coppa Italia final. His pragmatic style divides opinion, but the results don’t lie.
17. Hansi Flick – The Reluctant Hero Turned Mastermind
- Nationality: German
- Key Trophies:
- Bundesliga x2
- DFB Pokal (2020)
- Champions League (2020)
- FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup (2020)
Flick went from Bayern Munich assistant in 2019 to head coach, replacing Niko Kovač. What followed was a clean sweep: Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and an unbeaten Champions League campaign, including the 8–2 demolition of Barcelona.
His Bayern became the first club in history to win every match en route to a Champions League title. His Germany stint was poor, and he became the first German coach ever to be sacked after failing at the 2022 World Cup. In 2024, Barcelona hired him, and he has since led dominant wins against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
16. Thomas Tuchel – The Fixer of Broken Projects
- Nationality: German
- Key Achievements:
- Ligue 1 (PSG, 2019–2020)
- French Cup x2, Champions League finalist
- Champions League (Chelsea, 2021)
- 5 finals in 2 years at Chelsea
Tuchel succeeded Jurgen Klopp at Mainz and then led Borussia Dortmund to the DFB Pokal. At PSG, he won four domestic trophies in 2020 and reached the Champions League final. At Chelsea, he inherited a struggling team in January 2021 and won the Champions League four months later.
Tuchel also guided Chelsea to two FA Cup finals and a Club World Cup. He was sacked after a rift with Todd Boehly’s ownership. In 2023, he joined Bayern Munich, then left and was announced as England’s next manager in 2024.
15. Didier Deschamps – The Squad Whisperer
- Nationality: French
- Major Trophies:
- 2018 FIFA World Cup
- UEFA Nations League (2021)
- Euro 2016 Finalist, World Cup 2022 Finalist
Deschamps has led France since 2012. Under him, they won the 2018 World Cup, reached the final of Euro 2016, and lost the 2022 World Cup final on penalties. He’s the first man since Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer to win the World Cup as a player and coach.
He prioritized squad balance over star power, getting the best out of players like Olivier Giroud (who didn’t score a goal in 2018 but played every match) and Paul Pogba. “The team is the star,” said Patrice Evra of Deschamps.
14. Lionel Scaloni – From No One to Number One
- Nationality: Argentine
- Honours:
- Copa América 2021
- Finalissima 2022
- FIFA World Cup 2022
Initially mocked by Diego Maradona, who said, “He can’t even direct traffic,” Scaloni went on to do what no Argentina manager had done since 1986—win the World Cup.
He built his team around Lionel Messi, employed five different formations in seven matches, and won the Copa América in 2021. Messi praised him: “Scaloni knows how to suffer when he must suffer… He leaves nothing to chance.”
13. Roberto Mancini – The Elegant Enforcer
- Nationality: Italian
- Key Titles:
- Premier League (Man City, 2012)
- Serie A x3 (Inter)
- FA Cup (2011), Euro 2020 (Italy)
Mancini brought Manchester City their first league title in 44 years in 2012, scoring twice in stoppage time to beat QPR on the final day—he managed Inter to three league titles and Italy to a Euro 2020 triumph, winning the final against England at Wembley.
In 2022, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, and Mancini stepped down. He then took over Saudi Arabia’s national team, further cementing his nomadic, yet successful path.
12. Unai Emery – The Europa League Collector
- Nationality: Spanish
- Honours:
- Europa League x4 (3 with Sevilla, 1 with Villarreal)
- Ligue 1 (PSG, 2017–18)
- Champions League qualification with Aston Villa (2023–24)
Emery’s meticulous tactics led Sevilla to three straight Europa League wins. At PSG, he reclaimed Ligue 1 but suffered the infamous 6–1 loss to Barcelona. At Arsenal, he reached the 2019 Europa League final but was sacked months later.
He won the 2021 Europa League with Villarreal—his fourth, a record—beating Manchester United. In 2023–24, he led Aston Villa to Champions League qualification and beat Bayern Munich in Europe.
11. Arsène Wenger – The Professor Who Revolutionised English Football
- Nationality: French
- Arsenal Achievements Since 2000:
- Premier League (2001–02, 2003–04)
- FA Cup x5 (2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017)
- Champions League Finalist (2006)
- Unbeaten League Season (2003–04)
Wenger ushered in a new era of fitness, nutrition, and style in English football. His ‘Invincibles’ of 2003–04 remain the only Premier League team to go a season unbeaten. Between 2000 and 2017, Wenger led Arsenal to 19 consecutive Champions League qualifications; plenty of people regard him as one of the best football managers of all time.
Though he endured a 9-year trophy drought, he finished with 7 FA Cups, a record at the time. His greatest legacy may be the Emirates Stadium, symbolizing Arsenal’s transformation into a global brand. Sir Alex Ferguson famously said:“Arsène transformed Arsenal fantastically.”
10. Antonio Conte – The Short-Term Serial Winner
- Nationality: Italian
- Titles Since 2010:
- Serie A x4 (Juventus x3, Inter x1)
- Premier League (Chelsea, 2016–17)
- FA Cup (2018)
Conte is the go-to manager for instant impact. He took Juventus from seventh to champions in his first year, won the Premier League with Chelsea with a record 30 wins, and led Inter to their first Scudetto in 11 years.
His time at Tottenham saw a miraculous top-four finish, but his tenure ended in a sensational press conference tirade where he accused players and owners of lacking ambition.
Despite never going past the Champions League quarter-finals, Conte’s domestic records are elite. In 2024, he took over Napoli, aiming for his third Serie A title with a third club.
9. Luis Enrique – The Rebuilder of Barcelona and Spain
- Nationality: Spanish
- Trophies with Barcelona:
- La Liga x2 (2014–15, 2015–16)
- Copa del Rey x3
- Champions League (2015)
- Super Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup
Luis Enrique took over a fractured Barcelona in 2014 and built one of the most feared teams in history. The MSN trio—Messi, Suárez, Neymar—fired the club to a historic treble in 2015. He won 9 trophies in 3 seasons, tying with Guardiola’s early success.
He later led Spain to the Euro 2020 semi-final and returned to club football in 2023 with PSG, winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France in his first season.
8. Vicente del Bosque – The Silent Winner
- Nationality: Spanish
- Major Titles:
- Champions League x2 (Real Madrid)
- La Liga x2
- World Cup (2010), Euro (2012)
- UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup
Del Bosque won 7 trophies in 3.5 seasons at Real Madrid, including the 2000 and 2002 Champions Leagues. Sacked in 2003 (a day after winning La Liga), he proved his worth by leading Spain to their first World Cup (2010) and then the 2012 Euro title, completing a golden era.
He managed the most gifted squad in history—with Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Ramos—and yet, remained humble, unflappable, and loved by his players.
7. Diego Simeone – The Relentless Warrior of Atlético
- Nationality: Argentine
- Key Titles:
- La Liga x2 (2014, 2021)
- Europa League x2
- Champions League Finalist x2 (2014, 2016)
- Copa del Rey (2013)
When Simeone took over Atlético Madrid in 2011, they were closer to relegation than Real Madrid. In the 12 full seasons since, Atlético has finished in the top 4 every year, reached 2 Champions League finals (both lost to Real Madrid in heartbreaking fashion), and lifted 8 trophies.
His ‘Cholismo’ identity—defensive grit, loyalty, counter-attacks—became synonymous with the club. Under him, they moved into the Wanda Metropolitano and became financially and competitively stable. He’s the longest-serving manager in La Liga history.
6. Zinedine Zidane – The Calm Collector of Cups
- Nationality: French
- Major Trophies:
- La Liga x2
- Champions League x3 (2016, 2017, 2018)
- Supercopa de España x2
- UEFA Super Cup x2
- FIFA Club World Cup x2
Zidane’s first coaching job was at Real Madrid, and he won 3 straight Champions League titles, a feat never accomplished before. He was often accused of being lucky, but managing egos like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos, and Bale in Madrid’s pressure cooker is anything but easy.
After his resignation in 2018, Real collapsed. He returned in 2019 and won another La Liga title in the pandemic season. In total, he managed 263 matches and won 11 major trophies in 5 seasons.
5. Jürgen Klopp – The Visionary Who Awakened Sleeping Giants
- Nationality: German
- Trophies Since 2010:
- Bundesliga x2 (Dortmund)
- DFB Pokal
- Premier League (Liverpool, 2019–20)
- Champions League (2019)
- FA Cup, League Cup, Super Cup, Club World Cup
Klopp, easily one of the most successful football managers, broke Bayern Munich’s monopoly with Borussia Dortmund, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 and reaching the 2013 Champions League final. At Liverpool, he revived a broken club, winning their first league title in 30 years, the Champions League, and reaching three UCL finals.
Under Klopp, Liverpool became a global identity of pressing, speed, and emotion. When he announced his departure in 2024, tributes poured in from all corners of football.
4. José Mourinho – The Self-Proclaimed Special One
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Major Honors:
- Champions League x2 (Porto 2004, Inter 2010)
- League Titles in 4 Countries
- UEFA Cup, Europa League, Conference League
Mourinho introduced himself to England in 2004 as “The Special One” and immediately won the Premier League with a record 95 points. He’s the only manager to win the Champions League with two clubs from different countries.
His Inter team of 2010 won the Italian treble, his Chelsea side was the most dominant in the league’s early 2000s, and he delivered Roma their first European trophy in 2022 (Conference League).
Though his style has declined, Mourinho remains football’s greatest showman and most successful pragmatist.
3. Sir Alex Ferguson – The Empire Builder
- Nationality: Scottish
- Trophies Since 2000:
- Premier League x6 (2000–13)
- Champions League (2008)
- FA Cup, League Cups x4, Club World Cup
Even if we only count Sir Alex Ferguson’s 21st-century accomplishments, he still outperforms most. He beat back Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man City, reimagined United squads every 4–5 years and made United the most dominant team in Europe for over a decade.
His retirement in 2013 left a void the club has never filled—7 managers in 11 years later, the club remains in search of that consistency. Fergie was football’s ultimate long-term visionary and short-term winner.
2. Carlo Ancelotti – The Ultimate Player’s Manager
- Nationality: Italian
- Record:
- 5 Champions League Titles (AC Milan x2, Real Madrid x3)
- League Titles in England, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy
Ancelotti is the only manager in football history to win all five major European leagues. His ‘quiet leadership’, as he called it, is his strength. He may receive criticism for being “too soft,” but no one can ignore his record.
In his second stint at Real Madrid, he’s added 2 La Liga titles, 2 Champions Leagues, 2 Spanish Super Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups, and 2 FIFA Club World Cups since 2021. After a low-profile stint at Everton, he returned to Madrid and immediately re-established himself at the top of European football.
1. Pep Guardiola – The Tactician Who Transformed Football
- Nationality: Spanish
- Career Since 2008:
- La Liga x3 (Barcelona)
- Bundesliga x3 (Bayern)
- Premier League x6 (Man City)
- Champions League x3 (2009, 2011, 2023)
- Club World Cup x4
- UEFA Super Cup x4
Guardiola has won 12 league titles in 14 seasons. His Barcelona team (2008–12) was arguably the greatest ever, his Bayern Munich broke German records, and at Manchester City, he built the most dominant English team in history.
In 2023, he won the treble, and in 2024, City became the first English club to win four consecutive league titles.
P.S. You might like to know about the best football players to ever grace the pitch.
