Top-paid football managers 2026: Arteta rises to third after new Arsenal deal
Arteta’s new contract at Arsenal puts him third in reported annual pay; bonuses could push him to the top.
After signing a contract extension with Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has moved up the list of the world's highest-paid football managers and now ranks third on the latest compilation of annual salaries.
Arsenal's decision to tie the Spaniard to fresh terms — following last season's title success — shows the club trusts him to push for even bigger goals, including a return to the Champions League. Arteta's fixed annual pay is reported at €23.6 million, and with bonuses it could rise to €30 million, potentially placing him at the very top of the earnings table.
Top 10 highest-paid managers (summary)
The following ranking lists the ten managers reported as earning the most per year, with clubs and figures as published:
- 10. Carlo Ancelotti — coach of the Brazil national team, €9.56 million per year.
- 9. Luciano Spalletti — Juventus, €11.5 million per year.
- 8. Andoni Iraola — after arriving in June at Liverpool from Bournemouth, he signed a contract worth just over €12 million per year.
- 7. Luis Enrique — Paris Saint-Germain, €12 million per year.
- 6. José Mourinho — Real Madrid, €12 million per year.
- 5. Xabi Alonso — Chelsea, €13.3 million per year.
- 4. Oliver Glasner — Nottingham Forest, reported to earn more than €15 million per year.
- 3. Mikel Arteta — Arsenal, fixed salary €23.6 million, with bonuses up to €30 million.
- 2. Diego Simeone — Atlético Madrid, about €24 million per year.
- 1. Simone Inzaghi — Al Hilal, €26.5 million per year.
Observers note that bonuses and incentives can change final rankings, meaning Arteta could overtake some rivals if variable payments are included. The figures cited are reported as net amounts.
*These are net amounts
Photo: press material from the event
