A constant evolution
Football's evolution owes much to its coaches – innovators, revolutionaries, and even traditionalists. These leading minds continually challenge themselves to reshape the game. This is our ranking of the 25 greatest football coaches of all time.
25. Arsene Wenger - France
We begin with a name familiar to both French and Premier League fans: Arsene Wenger. The legendary Arsenal manager led the Gunners for 22 years (1996-2018). Though his trophy haul includes just three league titles, he will forever be remembered as the coach of the Invincibles. More than that, Wenger was a visionary with remarkable intuition, discovering and nurturing some of the greatest talents of his era.
24. Ottmar Hitzfeld - Germany
A living legend in Germany, Ottmar Hitzfeld achieved the rare feat of winning the Champions League with two different German clubs – Dortmund in 1997 and Bayern Munich in 2001. Known for his tactical pragmatism, Hitzfeld had a knack for devising game plans that neutralized opponents. His domestic success is equally impressive, with seven Bundesliga titles – two with Borussia Dortmund and five with Bayern Munich.
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23. Herbert Chapman – England
Largely unknown to the general public, Herbert Chapman (pictured left) is a pioneer of modern football. In the 1920s, he revolutionized the game by introducing a more structured and tactical approach. His innovative WM formation (3-2-2-3) laid the groundwork for Arsenal’s dominance in English football during that era.
22. Jupp Heynckes - Germany
Jupp Heynckes' Bayern Munich in 2013 was one of the most dominant teams of its era. However, his legacy extends far beyond that triumph, as the German coach had already led Real Madrid to a Champions League victory in 1998.
21. Viktor Maslov - Russia
Considered a founder of modern football, Viktor Maslov played a key role in popularizing tactical systems like the 4-4-2 formation. His innovative approach helped Dynamo Kyiv secure three national titles. Though his trophy count may not be extraordinary, his impact on modern football strategy is immeasurable.
Credit X: @RedMarrow_
20. Fabio Capello - Italy
Fabio Capello left an indelible mark on both AC Milan and Real Madrid. Known for his tactical discipline, he guided Milan to four Serie A titles and a Champions League victory, while also securing two La Liga titles with Real Madrid and a Serie A championship with AS Roma.
19. Zinedine Zidane - France
While Zinedine Zidane may not be regarded as the greatest tactician, his leadership is unparalleled. A master motivator, he led Real Madrid to an extraordinary feat: three consecutive Champions League titles.
18. Brian Clough - England
The big-headed and big-mouthed Brian Clough, as the Standard put it, was a true character. As a manager, he accomplished one of the greatest feats of the century, leading Nottingham Forest to back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980.
17. Marcello Lippi - Italy
A true icon of Italian football, Marcello Lippi made his mark at Juventus, securing the club's first Scudetto in nine years in 1995 and adding four more titles along with a Champions League victory in 1996. In 2006, he led Italy to victory in the World Cup.
16. Giovanni Trapattoni - Italy
Giovanni Trapattoni is one of the most successful and respected coaches in football history. He guided Juventus through their most successful era, winning six league titles and triumphing in all three European Cup competitions: the Cup Winners' Cup in 1984, the European Cup in 1985, and the UEFA Cup in 1977 and 1993.
15. Jurgen Klopp - Germany
Best known as the architect of Liverpool’s dominant team in the 2020s, Jurgen Klopp built a high-energy side that excelled in transition, winning both the Premier League and Champions League, despite two final losses in 2018 and 2022. Prior to that, the German coach broke Bayern Munich's Bundesliga dominance with Borussia Dortmund, winning titles in 2011 and 2012, though he narrowly missed out on a Champions League victory with a final loss in 2013.
14. Miguel Muñoz - Spain
Between 1960 and 1968, Miguel Muñoz accomplished it all with Real Madrid. The Spanish coach guided the club to four La Liga titles and three European Cups, solidifying both his own legacy and that of the Merengues.
13. Matt Busby - England
Sir Matt Busby is one of the most legendary managers in English football, renowned for building one of the greatest teams in history at Manchester United, known as the 'Busby Babes.' Following the Munich air disaster in 1958, which claimed the lives of several key players, Busby rebuilt the team and led United to triumph, culminating in a European Cup victory in 1968, as the BBC recounted.
12. Jose Mourinho - Portugal
The 'Special One' is a unique figure in football. A tactical genius known for his defensive and transitional style, Jose Mourinho famously outsmarted Guardiola's Barça in 2010. Whether with Porto in 2004 or Inter Milan in 2010, the Portuguese coach was always the driving force behind his teams. He had a remarkable ability to absorb the pressure of high-stakes moments, shielding his players from the spotlight.
11. Bill Shankly - Great Britain
Bill Shankly is credited with transforming Liverpool FC into a dominant force in the 1960s. Arriving in 1959 at a club in decline, he led the Reds to the pinnacle of English and European football, winning three league titles and a UEFA Cup in 1973. Shankly instilled a playing philosophy focused on teamwork, intensity, and discipline. His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he reshaped the club's culture, turning Liverpool into a symbol of passion and success. His legacy continues to resonate to this day.
10. Ernst Happel - Austria
Highly professional and meticulous, Ernst Happel was a master of challenges, known for building solid teams and leading them to success. He won two European Cups – one with Feyenoord in 1970 and another with Hamburg SV in 1983 – and also guided Austria to the 1978 World Cup.
9. Helenio Herrera - Italy
Helenio Herrera is one of football's most influential coaches. While he didn’t invent it, he perfected the "catenaccio" – a system built on ultra-compact defense and rapid counterattacks. With this strategy, he led Inter Milan to two European Cups (1964, 1965) and multiple Serie A titles. His success was rooted in flawless collective organization, strict discipline, and an unwavering mentality.
8. Valeriy Lobanovskyi – Ukraine
Valeriy Lobanovskyi may not be a household name, but the Ukrainian coach revolutionized tactics. His style was defined by intense pressing and impeccable tactical discipline, where every player knew their role perfectly. Lobanovskyi won two European Cups (1975, 1986) and multiple USSR championship titles with Dynamo Kyiv.
7. Bob Paisley - Great Britain
Bill Shankly's successor at Liverpool, Bob Paisley, achieved remarkable success, winning three European Cups (1977, 1978, 1981), six English league titles, and several FA Cups with the Reds. Known for his rigor and attention to detail, Paisley meticulously prepared for every match and dedicated over 50 years of his life to the club.
6. Carlo Ancelotti - Italy
"Don Carlo" Ancelotti continues to impress with his remarkable career. The elegant Italian coach has won everything in football, leaving a lasting legacy at every club he’s managed. He has secured five Champions League titles – three with Real Madrid and two with AC Milan.
5. Pep Guardiola - Spain
Pep Guardiola is undeniably one of the most dominant coaches in modern football. Renowned for revolutionizing the game with his "tiki-taka" philosophy, particularly at FC Barcelona, he won two Champions League titles with the Catalan club and one with Manchester City, marking the club’s first European triumph. Above all, Guardiola has been incredibly successful in league competition, securing 12 league titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
4. Arrigo Sacchi - Italy
Arrigo Sacchi was the architect behind Milan’s legendary teams, but more importantly, he revolutionized football with his high-pressing, dynamic style that focused on constant movement and an attacking, attractive game. Sacchi led AC Milan to two Champions League titles (1989, 1990) and left an indelible mark on football throughout Europe.
3. Johan Cruyff - The Netherlands
Ajax and FC Barcelona, two giants of football history, owe much to a single master: Johan Cruyff. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Cruyff was also a visionary coach, perfecting "total football" – a tactical approach focused on ball possession, collective pressing, and player versatility. His influence on the game is profound and enduring, and it will continue to be felt for generations to come.
2. Sir Alex Ferguson - Great Britain
Sir Alex Ferguson’s 27 years at Manchester United forever transformed the club. More than just a coach, the Scottish manager was a true architect. Under his leadership, United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, and grew into one of the world’s most successful clubs. A brilliant tactician and talent scout, Sir Alex’s influence extends far beyond what these few lines can convey.
1. Rinus Michels - The Netherlands
