The English Premier League (EPL) is renowned not only for its exhilarating football matches but also for the substantial financial rewards it offers to players and managers alike. Over the years, several football managers have amassed significant wealth through their roles in the EPL, thanks to lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and astute investments. This article delves into the richest football managers in English Premier League history, exploring their careers, achievements, and the factors contributing to their impressive net worths.
Sir Alex Ferguson: The Legendary Scotsman
Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson (born 31 December 1941) is a Scottish retired football manager and former player, best known for managing Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. He is widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time and has won more trophies (49) than any other manager in the history of football. Ferguson is often credited for valuing youth during his time at Manchester United, particularly in the 1990s with the “Class of ’92”, who contributed to making the club one of the richest and most successful in the world.
Ferguson played as a forward for several Scottish clubs, including Dunfermline Athletic and Rangers. While playing for Dunfermline, he was the top goalscorer in the Scottish league during the 1965–66 season. Towards the end of his playing career, he also worked as a coach, then started his managerial career with East Stirlingshire and St Mirren. Ferguson then enjoyed a highly successful period as manager of Aberdeen, winning three Scottish league championships, four Scottish Cups and both the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 1983. He briefly managed Scotland following the death of Jock Stein, taking the team to the 1986 World Cup.
Sir Alex Ferguson stands as one of the most successful and wealthiest football managers in EPL history. During his tenure at Manchester United from 1986 to 2013, Ferguson secured 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies. His managerial prowess not only brought glory to the club but also substantial financial rewards.
Ferguson’s net worth is estimated to be around £56 million. This wealth stems from his long-term managerial career, various endorsement deals, and investments. Even after retirement, he continues to earn through public speaking engagements, book deals, and his role as a club ambassador.
Arsène Wenger: The Professor
Arsène Charles Ernest Wenger (born 22 October 1949) is a French former football manager and player who is currently serving as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development. He was the manager of Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, where he was the longest-serving and most successful in the club’s history. His contribution to English football through changes to scouting, players’ training and diet regimens revitalised Arsenal and aided the globalisation of the sport in the 21st century.
Born in Strasbourg and raised in Duttlenheim, Wenger was introduced to football by his father, the manager of the local village team. After a modest playing career, in which he made appearances for several amateur clubs, Wenger obtained a manager’s diploma in 1981. Following an unsuccessful period at Nancy in 1987, Wenger joined Monaco; the club won the league championship in 1988 and won the Coupe de France in 1991. In 1995, he became coach of J.League side Nagoya Grampus Eight and won the Emperor’s Cup and Japanese Super Cup in his first and only year.
Arsène Wenger, often referred to as “The Professor” for his intellectual approach to the game, managed Arsenal from 1996 to 2018. Under his guidance, Arsenal won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. Wenger is particularly celebrated for leading the “Invincibles” to an unbeaten league season in 2003-04.
Wenger’s net worth is substantial, attributed to his lengthy managerial career, prudent financial management, and post-retirement roles, including his position as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
José Mourinho: The Special One
José Mourinho, self-dubbed “The Special One,” has managed several top clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur. His managerial career is decorated with multiple league titles and European trophies.
Mourinho’s net worth is considerable, accumulated through high-paying managerial positions, endorsement deals, and media appearances. His charismatic personality and tactical acumen have made him a sought-after figure in football management.
Pep Guardiola: The Tactical Maestro
Josep “Pep” Guardiola Sala born 18 January 1971) is a Catalan professional football manager and former player from Spain who is the manager of Premier League club Manchester City. Guardiola is the only manager to win the continental treble twice and he holds the record for the most consecutive league games won in La Liga, Bundesliga, and the Premier League. He is considered to be one of the greatest managers of all time.
Pep Guardiola, known for his innovative tactics and possession-based style of play, has managed Manchester City since 2016. Under his leadership, the club has secured multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups.
Guardiola’s net worth is significant, bolstered by his managerial salary, bonuses, and endorsements. His success at Manchester City and previous stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich have solidified his reputation as one of the top football managers globally.
Jürgen Klopp: The Enthusiastic Leader
Jürgen Norbert Klopp is a German football executive and former manager and player. He is widely regarded as one of the best football managers in the world. Since 1 January 2025, Klopp has been the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH. Klopp spent most of his playing career at Mainz 05
Jürgen Klopp, renowned for his passionate touchline demeanor and “heavy metal” football philosophy, has managed Liverpool since 2015. He led the club to its first Premier League title in the 2019-20 season and secured the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2019.
Klopp’s net worth has grown substantially, thanks to his managerial success, endorsements, and media engagements. His charismatic leadership has endeared him to fans and players alike.
Conclusion
The English Premier League has been home to some of the most successful and wealthiest football managers in history. Figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Jürgen Klopp have not only achieved remarkable success on the pitch but have also amassed significant wealth through their managerial careers, endorsements, and investments. Their contributions to football have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of managers and players.
