The 21st century has witnessed a revolution in football management, with innovative tactics, advanced analytics, and shrewd player management transforming the sport. From the dugout, these masterminds have shaped the beautiful game, leaving an indelible mark on their clubs, players, and fans.
As we reflect on the past two decades (2000-2024), it’s clear that some managers have stood out from the rest, consistently achieving success, adapting to changing landscapes, and inspiring generations of coaches. Great coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t make the list as we’ve categorized him under the 20th century.
Here’s a list of the top 10 managers who have made a lasting impact on the game, elevating their teams to unprecedented heights and redefining what it means to be a great football manager.
10. Hansi Flick (15 trophies)
The German coach rose to prominence with an extraordinary stint at Bayern Munich, where he secured a historic sextuple in 2020—including the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB-Pokal. Known for his high-intensity, attacking football, Flick also led Germany at the international level. Now at Barcelona, he has added 3 domestic trophies to his cabinet, continuing to build on his reputation as a modern elite manager.
9. Thomas Tuchel (13 trophies)
Known for his tactical flexibility and ability to extract the best from his players, Tuchel has quickly risen through the managerial ranks. His Champions League triumphs with Chelsea in 2021 adn PSG’s run to the final highlight his prowess.
8. Diego Simeone (10 trophies)
Diego Simeone’s dedicated and enthusiastic coaching style has turned Atlético Madrid into a strong His victory in La Liga in 2014 and reaching the finals of the Champions League twice highlight his strategic abilities and ability to inspire his players.
7. Luis Enrique (16 trophies )
Luis Enrique showcased his attacking approach and excellent squad management during Barcelona’s and PSG’s remarkable treble wins in 2015 and 2025, respectively. His continued success with the French giants has reinforced his status as a top-level coach. He is only the second manager in football history to win two trebles.
6. Vicente del Bosque (9 trophies )
A calm and composed leader, Del Bosque’s managerial career is defined by his success with Spain. The 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship titles were the pinnacle of Spanish football, and Del Bosque was at the helm. His earlier success with Real Madrid further enhances his legacy.
5. Zinedine Zidane ( 11 trophies )
Zidane’s managerial career is nothing short of extraordinary. Three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018 are a record-breaking achievement. His calm demeanor and ability to manage egos have contributed to his success.
4. Jürgen Klopp (13 trophies)
Jürgen Klopp has brought about a significant change in football with his intense gegenpressing approach. His success in winning the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020 marked the end of the team’s prolonged trophy drought. Klopp’s charm and strategic creativity have established him as a prominent figure worldwide.
3. Carlo Ancelotti (31 trophies )
Carlo in tactics and proven track record of successfully handling high-profile teams have established him as a top-tier manager. His impressive collection of Champions League trophies with AC Milan and Real Madrid, combined with domestic league titles in multiple countries, cement his status as one of the greatest in the sport.
2. Jose Mourinho (30 trophies )
Jose Mourinho is renowned for his shrewd and results-driven approach to management, which has yielded a plethora of accolades throughout his career. Notably, his conquests in the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, coupled with numerous domestic league championships, have cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.
1. Pep Guardiola (39 trophies)
Pep Guardiola is known for his groundbreaking strategies and focus on controlling the ball in soccer. His achievements at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City numerous league championships and Champions League titles, have established him as a top figure in contemporary coaching. These coaches have significantly influenced the world of soccer in recent years, leaving a lasting impact with their tactical ingenuity, strong leadership qualities, and track record of achieving victories. He’s the first coach to win two trebles in football history.
Notable Mentions
• Roberto Mancini
• Didier Deschamps
• Joachim Löw
• Marcelo Bielsa
• Massimiliano Allegri
