Football in 2025 is all about the brilliant minds on the sidelines, and this topic, “The Top Ten Best Football Managers Right Now (2025),” shines a light on the coaches making waves. These are the folks steering the ship, coming up with clever game plans, firing up their players, and stacking up trophies. From the electric atmosphere of the Premier League to the flair of La Liga and the grit of international tournaments, this dives into who’s calling the shots and why they’re so good. Think of the managers outsmarting opponents in huge Champions League clashes, tweaking formations on the fly, or turning young players into superstars.
It’s about the ones who thrive when the pressure’s on, whether they’re at massive clubs like Manchester City or Real Madrid or grinding it out elsewhere. This isn’t just a list—it’s a peek into what makes football tick today, from mastering the transfer market to keeping a team tight through a long season. Perfect for fans who love the game and want to know who’s shaping its future, this is all about celebrating the coaches ruling the dugout in 2025.
The Top Ten Best Football Managers In 2025
10. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal, Spain)
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Mikel Arteta has redefined Arsenal since taking the helm in 2019, turning the North London club into a Premier League powerhouse with his innovative approach. His philosophy centers on possession-based football, a relentless high press, and rapid transitions, which have propelled Arsenal to back-to-back second-place finishes in recent seasons. Arteta’s knack for spotting and developing young talent shines through in players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have become cornerstones of the squad under his guidance.
His FA Cup triumph in 2020 marked the beginning of a new era, and his consistent top-four finishes have restored Arsenal’s reputation among Europe’s elite. In 2025, Arteta’s contract extension to 2027 underscores the club’s faith in his long-term vision. While the Premier League title remains elusive, his data-driven tactics and adaptability to modern football trends have made Arsenal a team to watch, blending youthful energy with tactical discipline. Arteta’s influence is undeniable, and his journey at Arsenal continues to inspire fans and analysts alike.
9. Unai Emery (Aston Villa, Spain)
Unai Emery has brought his magic touch to Aston Villa, transforming them into a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League and beyond. Renowned for his Europa League pedigree with Sevilla and Villarreal, Emery guided Villa to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2025, a testament to his tactical versatility. His ability to switch between formations favoring a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 keeps opponents guessing, while his meticulous preparation exploits their weaknesses. Emery’s rich history with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal has honed his skills in high-stakes environments, making him a master of knockout football.
At Villa, he’s elevated the team’s standing, pushing them into contention for top-four finishes and European glory. His pragmatic yet dynamic style has won over fans, and his success in blending seasoned pros with emerging stars showcases his managerial depth. Emery’s resurgence in England has solidified his place among the world’s best in 2025, proving his adaptability and resilience.
8. Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid, Argentina)
Diego Simeone remains a towering figure at Atlético Madrid, where his gritty, passionate leadership has kept the club competitive for over a decade. Since 2011, he’s delivered two La Liga titles and reached two Champions League finals, building a legacy on defensive resilience and lethal counter-attacks. His signature 4-4-2 setup prioritizes discipline and physicality, making Atlético a nightmare for even the biggest teams. In 2025, Simeone’s ability to evolve with the game while staying true to his roots sets him apart. His longevity as La Liga’s longest-serving manager speaks to his consistency and knack for getting results under pressure.
Beyond tactics, Simeone’s fiery presence on the touchline inspires his players, fostering a warrior-like mentality that defines Atlético’s identity. Whether thwarting Barcelona or outsmarting Bayern Munich, his teams never back down. Simeone’s enduring success and adaptability ensure his status as one of football’s elite managers, with a career that continues to captivate the sport.
7. Antonio Conte (Napoli, Italy)
Antonio Conte stormed into Napoli in 2024 and quickly turned the Italian side into Serie A title contenders, reinforcing his reputation as a serial winner. His high-pressing 3-5-2 system, a hallmark of his tenure at Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan, has injected new life into the squad. Conte’s relentless focus on fitness and tactical discipline has seen Napoli rack up 19 wins in 28 matches, challenging the likes of AC Milan and Juventus. Known for transforming underperforming teams into champions, he brings an intensity that players feed off, both in training and on match day.
His trophy cabinet bursting with league titles from Italy and England—speaks volumes about his ability to deliver. Conte’s arrival in Naples sparked a revival, blending attacking flair with a rock-solid defense. His meticulous approach and commanding presence make him a standout in 2025, proving once again why he’s among the world’s top football managers.
6. Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan, Italy)
Simone Inzaghi has quietly built a dynasty at Inter Milan, combining tactical genius with a cool-headed demeanor that’s earned him widespread admiration. Since joining in 2021, he’s clinched the Serie A title, multiple Coppa Italia crowns, and guided Inter to two Champions League finals. His preferred 3-5-2 formation strikes a perfect balance between attacking creativity and defensive stability, making Inter a dominant force in Italy.
Inzaghi’s ability to rotate his squad and adapt mid-game has kept his team fresh and unpredictable, even in grueling seasons. His success builds on his impressive stint at Lazio, where he first showcased his knack for getting the best out of his players. In 2025, Inzaghi’s calm leadership and strategic brilliance shine through, earning him accolades from fans and pundits alike. Whether outsmarting rivals in Europe or dominating domestically, he’s proven he belongs among football’s elite, with Inter thriving under his steady hand.
5. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid, Italy)
Carlo Ancelotti’s name is synonymous with football greatness, and his ongoing success at Real Madrid only adds to his legend. With five Champions League titles the most of any manager he’s a master of Europe’s biggest stage. Since returning to Madrid, he’s won La Liga and reached another Champions League final, blending tactical flexibility with a knack for managing superstar egos. His 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 diamond setups adapt seamlessly to his squad, keeping Real Madrid at the top of Spanish and European football.
Ancelotti’s calm, almost grandfatherly demeanor belies a sharp tactical mind that’s conquered leagues in Italy, England, France, and Germany. In 2025, his record of 150 wins in 213 matches at Madrid highlights his consistency and brilliance. From grooming young stars to coaxing peak performances from veterans, Ancelotti’s versatility and charm make him a managerial icon whose influence endures.
4. Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen, Spain)
Xabi Alonso has taken Bayer Leverkusen to new heights, cementing his status as a rising star among football managers in 2025. Since 2022, he’s led the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a Europa League final, all while instilling a possession-based, high-pressing style that’s electrified German football. His tactical intelligence honed as a world-class midfielder shines through in his fluid 4-3-3 system, which emphasizes quick ball movement and relentless energy.
Alonso’s development of young talents like Florian Wirtz has drawn comparisons to his mentor, Pep Guardiola, while his calm sideline presence inspires confidence. Leverkusen’s transformation from perennial contenders to champions is a testament to his vision and execution. In just a few years, he’s turned heads across Europe, with whispers of future moves to giants like Real Madrid. Alonso’s blend of innovation and results marks him as one of the game’s brightest managerial minds.
3. Arne Slot (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Arne Slot has breathed fresh life into Liverpool since arriving in 2024, steering the Reds to the top of the Premier League and deep into the Champions League with his dynamic approach. His 4-3-3 system thrives on high pressing and fluid attacking play, echoing the intensity of Jürgen Klopp’s era while adding his own flair. Slot’s first season saw Liverpool dominate domestically and shine in Europe, a remarkable feat for a manager new to the English game. His success at Feyenoord where he won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup laid the groundwork for this seamless transition. Slot’s ability to integrate young players and tweak tactics mid-match has won over Anfield, with fans embracing his exciting, proactive style. In 2025, his innovative ideas and motivational skills have made Liverpool a juggernaut once more, placing him firmly among the world’s best managers.
2. Hansi Flick (FC Barcelona, Germany)
Hansi Flick has revitalized FC Barcelona with a blend of gegenpressing and possession football, restoring the club’s swagger since taking charge in 2024. His high-intensity style, perfected during his treble-winning stint at Bayern Munich, has yielded the Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey, with La Liga glory firmly in sight. Flick’s 4-2-3-1 setup balances attacking flair with defensive structure, making Barcelona a joy to watch and a nightmare to face. His knack for blending youth like Pedri and Gavi with seasoned stars has rekindled the club’s identity.
In 2025, Flick’s tactical sharpness and focus on player development have put Barcelona back among Europe’s elite, erasing years of inconsistency. His calm authority and proven track record make him a standout, with fans dreaming of a return to Champions League dominance under his watch.
1. Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain, Spain)
Luis Enrique sits atop the football management world in 2025, his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain a masterclass in adaptability and excellence. Since 2023, he’s secured two Ligue 1 titles and reached a Champions League final, molding PSG into a cohesive, disciplined unit. His tactical flexibility shifting between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 maximizes the squad’s potential, while his focus on youth has unearthed gems like Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola. Enrique’s Barcelona treble in 2015 gave him the blueprint for success, which he’s refined in Paris by blending star power with team unity.
His ability to thrive in both domestic and European arenas sets him apart, with PSG now a feared force continent-wide. In 2025, Enrique’s vision, charisma, and results make him the undisputed best, a manager who’s rewritten the narrative at PSG and elevated his legacy to new heights.
