Ranking the 20 Best Managers in World Football Right Now

 

World football currently boasts a number of outstanding coaches, ranging from seasoned veterans to emerging talents who are making a significant impact.

**Pep Guardiola**, **Carlo Ancelotti**, and **Xabi Alonso** are just a few of the names standing out with stellar performances.

These 20 top managers have been ranked by achievements, recent form, and career longevity.

 

Veteran figures have enjoyed a brilliant 2024, while several rising stars have made compelling cases to be considered among the sport’s elite in 2025.

 

With the 2024/25 campaign nearly wrapped up, the latest evaluations reflect those coaches who’ve elevated their standing during the season’s critical phase.

 

Below, you’ll find the updated ranking of the current elite in football management, compiled using several key criteria.

 

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**Criteria for Ranking**

 

* **Trophies**

* **Recent success (Honours won)**

* **Longevity**

* **Performance compared to expectations**

* Coaches without club jobs or those leading national sides are rated lower due to limited recent action.

 

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**In pictures: The world’s best football managers right now**

 

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**20**

**Nuno Espirito Santo**

**Team: Nottingham Forest**

Following **Steve Cooper**, who brought **Forest** back to top-flight football, many doubted anyone could surpass his impact. However, **Nuno Espirito Santo** stepped in amid skepticism and steadily improved results, bringing the team to the brink of European qualification—something not seen in decades.

 

Each match is a dream for **Forest** supporters as their club continues to surprise, sitting in the top four, with notable wins over **Liverpool** and **Manchester United** highlighting what has been a spectacular campaign under his leadership.

 

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**19**

**Gian Piero Gasperini**

**Team: Atalanta**

Dubbed a “30-year overnight sensation,” **Gasperini**, now 67, has quietly proven himself as one of Italy’s most dependable managers. After brief spells at clubs like **Genoa**, **Palermo**, and a short-lived tenure at **Inter Milan**, he took over **Atalanta** in 2016.

 

Eight years into his reign, he captured his first major title, overcoming unbeaten **Bayer Leverkusen** in the **Europa League** final. While the win crowned his long-term efforts, recent conflict with hat-trick hero **Ademola Lookman** has drawn headlines.

 

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**18**

**Luciano Spalletti**

**Team: Italy**

Although Italy has struggled at times to qualify for major tournaments, **Spalletti** has reversed the trend, guiding the team to **Euro 2024**—though they were knocked out in the round of 16 by **Switzerland**.

 

Previously, he won **Serie A** with **Napoli**, the club’s first league title in over three decades—his most notable success yet. However, even greater glory could lie ahead should he triumph at a major international tournament with Italy.

 

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**17**

**Luis de la Fuente**

**Team: Spain**

After climbing through Spain’s youth coaching ranks, **Luis de la Fuente** took charge of the senior side in 2022 and has since impressed. He led his squad to a dominant **Euro 2024** win, including a 2-1 final victory over **England**, making Spain the first team to win all seven matches in a European Championship.

 

With a young and highly skilled roster, Spain look set to become a dominant force in global football under the ex-left-back’s guidance.

 

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**16**

**Antonio Conte**

**Team: Napoli**

Though **Conte** is no longer at the peak of his managerial hype, he’s rebuilding his standing with **Napoli**, striving to bring them back to **Serie A**’s summit.

 

Following a disappointing stint at **Tottenham**, his past achievements include league wins with **Inter Milan**, **Chelsea**, and a solid term with Italy. Now, back in his homeland, his defensive tactics continue to define his coaching philosophy.

 

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**15**

**Julian Nagelsmann**

**Team: Germany**

Despite failing to lead hosts **Germany** to a win at **Euro 2024**, the future remains promising under **Nagelsmann**, whose modern tactical methods have caught attention.

 

Since departing **Bayern Munich**, he’s notched 12 wins from 21 matches as national coach, including a big win over **France**. With stars like **Wirtz** and **Musiala** in the squad, his reputation could soar if he brings home a major title.

 

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**14**

**Thomas Tuchel**

**Team: England**

While **Tuchel** left **Bayern Munich** under pressure after losing the league to **Leverkusen**, his reputation remains largely intact. He even held talks with **Manchester United** before opting out.

 

Despite challenges, **Tuchel**’s European pedigree remains strong, and he now takes charge of **England**, aiming to end their long trophy drought. His stint has started well with two wins from his first two games.

 

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**13**

**Didier Deschamps**

**Team: France**

A serial winner both as a player and coach, **Deschamps** led **France** to the **2018 World Cup** title. Though some fans express frustration at recent near-misses, his team reached the **2022 World Cup** final and the **Euro 2024** semis.

 

As long as he’s in charge, France remain contenders for every major competition.

 

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**12**

**Lionel Scaloni**

**Team: Argentina**

Best known for guiding **Argentina** and **Messi** to the **2022 World Cup** title, **Scaloni** has done far more than just that. He also delivered **Copa America** wins in 2021 and 2024, all before turning 50.

 

Taking charge in 2018, he revitalized the national setup and turned Argentina into serial winners once again.

 

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**11**

**Unai Emery**

**Team: Aston Villa**

Few foresaw **Aston Villa** finishing in the **Champions League** spots in 2023/24, but **Emery** made it happen. Since replacing **Steven Gerrard**, he’s transformed the team and restored European aspirations.

 

Known for his success in **European competitions**, Emery also nearly added a **Europa Conference League** title before falling short against **Olympiacos**. His impact on players like **McGinn**, **Watkins**, and **Konsa** has been profound.

 

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**10**

**Jurgen Klopp**

**Team: Unattached**

Now taking a break after leaving **Liverpool**, **Klopp** will be remembered as one of the **Premier League’s** finest managers. He turned a mid-table team into champions across England and Europe.

 

Though 2023/24 promised more, **Liverpool** only secured the **League Cup**. **Klopp** now works with the **Red Bull** football group in a non-coaching capacity.

 

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**9**

**Mikel Arteta**

**Team: Arsenal**

**Arteta** has rejuvenated **Arsenal**, taking them close to the **Premier League** title for the second year running. While the club fell short domestically and in Europe, his progress is evident.

 

Supporters believe he’s the man to bring trophies back, but critics point to the continued lack of silverware—hoping next season will finally break the drought.

 

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**8**

**Diego Simeone**

**Team: Atletico Madrid**

A constant in elite coaching conversations, **Simeone** helped **Atletico Madrid** secure another **Champions League** qualification.

 

They missed out on trophies again, but his defensive expertise and tactical rigidity continue to make the club a formidable force. With new signings, they may mount a serious title challenge soon.

 

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**7**

**Luis Enrique**

**Team: Paris Saint-Germain**

Managing **PSG** post-**Mbappe** seemed daunting, but **Enrique** adapted well, securing the **Ligue 1** title and taking the club to the **Champions League** final.

 

His reshaped team—with players like **Dembele** and **Khvicha**—is performing even better without their departed star.

 

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**6**

**Xabi Alonso**

**Team: Bayer Leverkusen**

**Alonso** has done wonders at **Leverkusen**, breaking **Bayern’s** Bundesliga dominance and adding the **DFB Pokal** to his trophy haul.

 

While they fell short in Europe, he’s in demand across Europe and expected to replace **Ancelotti** at **Real Madrid** after confirming his summer departure.

 

 

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**5**

**Hansi Flick**

**Team: Barcelona**

After a rough spell with **Germany**, **Flick** has re-established his reputation at **Barcelona**, guiding them back to the top of \*\*La Liga