The 2025/26 football season feels different. Coaching at the top level isn’t just about racking up trophies anymore—it’s about fresh ideas and adapting fast. Pep Guardiola keeps doing his thing at Manchester City, while Luis Enrique has brought new life to PSG.
Over in Spain, Xabi Alonso is shaking things up at Real Madrid, and Arne Slot’s quick impact at Liverpool has everyone talking. All over Europe, new names like Enzo Maresca and Cesc Fàbregas are showing that daring tactics and a modern approach can go toe-to-toe with the old guard.
This list of the Top 10 Best Coaches in the World for 2025/26 isn’t just about silverware. It’s about managers who set the standard, shape their teams, and actually change how the game looks at the highest level. These coaches aren’t just winning—they’re rewriting the playbook.
10. Cesc Fàbregas (Como 1907)
Fàbregas is included as a coach with high potential rather than proven elite status. He’s still developing, working at a smaller club (Como) but being recognised for his coaching pathway.
he’s proved himself with Como by defeating most of the elite club in the Seria A like juventus.
9. Oliver Glasner ( Crystal Palace)
Oliver Glasner has transformed Crystal Palace into one of the Premier League’s surprise success stories. Appointed in early 2024, the Austrian tactician guided the Eagles to their first-ever major trophy by winning the FA Cup in 2025 and secured European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
His quick impact, tactical discipline, and ability to bring out the best in players like Eze and Mateta have made Palace one of the most exciting teams in England.
8. Vicent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
Kompany has stepped into a major role at Bayern Munich and is seen as a future top-coach figure.
managing Big club like Bayern comes with big expectations and kompany is a young coach with strong ideas.
Challenges: Needs evidence of consistent success at the very top level; Bayern always expect titles.
7. Arne Slot (Liverpool FC)
Slot arrived at Liverpool in June 2024 and in his debut 2024-25 season delivered the Premier League title, guiding the club to their 20th English top-flight crown.
Slot has moved quickly from rising coach to elite status. At the start of 2025-26 he can fairly be described as among the world’s top managers — not just “emerging” any more, but genuinely competing at the highest level.
6. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid CF)
Alonso is one of the most promising coaches in the world and has secured a big job at Real Madrid for 2025 onward after success at Leverkusen.
Bis tactical ability has transformed a lot of Real Madrid player to the highest level and Madrid are now back to challenging for trophies again.
Challenges: Still early days; must deliver at Real Madrid level.
5. Enzo Maresca (Chelsea FC)
Maresca has done impressive work at Chelsea recently — rebuilding, improving standards, and delivering Champions League qualification.
This season Chelsea is on different level , scoring goal and beating top clubs both in champions league and premier leagues. They’re the current world champions
4. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Guardiola remains a benchmark in coaching, though his 2024-25 season was below his usual standard: City finished third in the Premier League and failed to win a major trophy.
Under him In 2025-26, City are already undergoing transition and facing increased competition.
Strengths: Deep experience, championship pedigree, innovation.
3. Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona)
Flick’s first full season at Barcelona (2024-25) ended in a domestic treble – LaLiga, Copa del Rey, SuperCup.
He’s setting up for 2025-26 with a solid platform: club extended his contract until 2027.
Strengths: High-pressing, attractive football; confidence at a major club restored.
2. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal FC)
Arteta continues to build at Arsenal: early in the 2025-26 season Arsenal boast an excellent defensive record and are unbeaten in multiple competitions.
under him this season arsenal has proved Strengths: Clear identity, strong progression, good culture.
1. Luis Enrique (Paris Saint‑Germain)
Luis Enrique has arguably the strongest case of all going into 2025-26: he led PSG to a historic treble in 2024-25 (Ligue 1, Cup, Champions League) including a 5-0 win in the Champions League final.
He’s entered the new season with high expectations already making comments about racking up as many points as possible in the Champions League early in 2025-26.
Notable
11. Antonio Conte
12. Eddie Howe
