Football has seen a lot of great managers, from clever strategists to inspiring leaders. They haven’t just grabbed trophies but have also transformed clubs and national teams with their ideas and tough approach. Here, we’ll check out some of the greatest football managers of all time, based on their influence and contributions to the game.
These coaches made a mark by building strong teams from scratch or finding success in various leagues. From the thrilling crowds of the English Premier League to unforgettable moments in European football, they’ve made a lasting impression.
What Makes a Manager One of the Greatest in Football History?
The best football managers aren’t just known for the trophies they collect; it’s about the impact they make on the game. These leading coaches have changed how football is played, created a winning mindset, helped star players grow, and adapted to new strategies. While winning titles is important, the true greats inspire future players and leave behind ideas that stick around long after they’ve left.
To figure out who the top football managers are, we can look at a few things:
- How long they managed and how well they did over time
- Their ability to change tactics and bring fresh ideas
- The trophies they’ve won in various leagues
- Their influence on players and the overall vibe of the club
- Their success in international competitions and their effect on global football.
Everyone has their favourites, but what stands out is that these managers know how to transform the game and how it’s appreciated.
15 Greatest Football Managers of All Time Ranked
1. Sir Alex Ferguson
2. Rinus Michels
3. Pep Guardiola
4. Arrigo Sacchi
5. Johan Cruyff
6. José Mourinho
7. Carlo Ancelotti
8. Ottmar Hitzfeld
9. Vicente del Bosque
10. Brian Clough
11. Ernst Happel
12. Helenio Herrera
13. Jock Stein
14. Bob Paisley
15. Marcelo Lippi
Let’s take a closer look at the skills and talent of these coaching legends.
15. Marcelo Lippi
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Lippi was an Italian coach famous for his smart game plans and solid preparation, which earned him a lot of fans in the 90s and 2000s. He guided Juventus to major wins in Europe and helped Italy claim its fourth World Cup title in 2006 with a hardworking and clever squad. His skills in managing games and getting the best out of players made him one of the best coaches around. Along with Juve, he also coached Inter Milan and the Italian national team.
Career Achievements:
- 1 UEFA Champions League
- 5 Serie A titles
- 1 FIFA World Cup
14. Bob Paisley
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Bob Paisley is the only manager who has won three European Cups with the same club. He was a pretty humble guy, but his Liverpool teams in the 70s and 80s were solid, well-organized, and worked really well together. When he took over from Bill Shankly, he somehow raised Liverpool to even greater heights, which is quite an achievement. This makes him one of the greatest football managers of all time. He also had a stint managing the English National team.
Career Achievements:
- 3 European Cups
- 6 English Premier League (First Division) titles
- 3 League Cups
13. Jock Stein
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Jock Stein, who grew up in Scotland, made history as the first British manager to win the European Cup. He led Celtic to victory in 1967 with a group of talented local players called “The Lisbon Lions.” Stein’s approach focused on teamwork and playing an exciting style, which really helped Celtic do well in the 60s and 70s. He was more than just a coach; he was like a father to many of the players and gained a lot of respect in football. In addition to Celtic, other teams he led include Leeds United and the Scottish National team.
Career Achievements:
- 1 European Cup
- 10 Scottish league titles
- 8 Scottish Cups
12. Helenio Herrera
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Helenio Herrera is really connected to Inter Milan’s successful “Grande Inter” era in the 1960s. He was all about that catenaccio style, focusing on solid defense and a strong mindset. This approach helped Inter rule European football at the time. Even though he prioritized defense, it paid off, and his methods for getting players ready set a standard for coaches that followed. Many consider him one of the best tactical football managers in history. The Argentina/France National also managed other European teams including Barcelona and AS Roma.
Career Achievements:
- 2 European Cups
- 4 La Liga titles
- 3 Serie A titles
11. Ernst Happel
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Ernst Happel was a real trailblazer in football coaching. He had a great career in several countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, working with teams like Feyenoord, Club Brugge, and Hamburg, as well as his home team in Austria. Happel was recognized for his attacking gameplay and no-nonsense style. He made history as the first coach to lead two different clubs to the European Cup finals. It’s obvious he was ahead of his time and often pops up in conversations about the best football managers.
Career Achievements:
- 2 European Cup titles
- League titles in four different countries
- World Cup runner-up in 1978
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10. Brian Clough
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Brian Clough did something really impressive with Nottingham Forest. He took a team from the Second Division and made them European champions two times in a row. His charisma, leadership, and confidence really set him apart. His story proves that you don’t always have to stick to the traditional route to be successful. He went from being an underdog to a legend in football management. He also had a successful run with Derby County.
Career Achievements:
- 2 European Cups
- 1 English league title with Derby
- Multiple League Cups
9. Vicente del Bosque
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Del Bosque was a crucial part of one of the best national teams in football history. He guided Spain to victory in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, using a style that emphasized ball control and teamwork. He also found success at Real Madrid, winning Champions League titles with a team full of star players. His ability to manage big personalities has earned him a spot among the greatest football managers.
Career Achievements:
- 2 UEFA Champions League titles
- 1 World Cup
- 1 UEFA Euro title
- 2 La Liga titles
8. Ottmar Hitzfeld
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Ottmar Hitzfeld is a coach who doesn’t always get the recognition he should, but his record speaks for itself. He’s one of the few who has won the UEFA Champions League finals with two different clubs, leaving a lasting impact at both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. His solid planning and leadership, along with his eye for young talent, place him among the greats in football. Plus, he had the chance to coach Grasshoppers in the Swiss league and the Switzerland National team.
Career Achievements:
- 2 UEFA Champions League titles
- 7 Bundesliga titles
- Swiss league titles with Grasshoppers
- Took Switzerland to back-to-back World Cups
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7. Carlo Ancelotti
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Amongst all football managers, Carlo Ancelotti is the only manager to have won league titles in all five of Europe’s top leagues. He’s great at adjusting his tactics and managing his players. He has a calm demeanor that garners respect, and he gets results without drawing too much attention to himself. From his successful days at AC Milan to coaching the high-profile players at Real Madrid, his trophy collection really shows how good he is. Throughout his career, he’s also managed teams like Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton.
Career highlights:
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles (a record)
- 3 domestic league titles in different countries
- Several domestic cups
6. José Mourinho
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José Mourinho is a well-known personality in football, recognized for his charm and the controversies that often surround him. He got the nickname “The Special One” after unexpectedly guiding Porto to a UEFA Champions League win. After that, he made waves in the English Premier League football with Chelsea, helped Inter Milan become a top team, and brought home trophies with Real Madrid and Manchester United. His straightforward approach, tactical mind games, and focus on winning have made him one of the most respected managers in football. He also managed AS Roma and won the UEFA Conference League with them.
Career Achievements:
- 2 UEFA Champions League titles
- 3 English Premier League titles
- Titles in La Liga, Serie A, and Primeira Liga
- 1 Europa League with Manchester United
- 1 UEFA Conference League with AS Roma
5. Johan Cruyff
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Cruyff, the Dutch coach who picked up a lot from Michels, really made Total Football work for him. While he was at Barcelona, he kicked off a period of success for the club. He also had a stint at Ajax, where his style, called Cruyffismo, emphasized quick passing, player movement, and relentless pressing. This approach continues to influence Barcelona and the Spanish national team today. His influence on football tactics has left a lasting mark, earning him a spot among the top managers in history.
Career Achievements:
- 4 La Liga titles
- 1 European Cup Winners’ Cup
- Several KNVB Cups and Eredivisie titles
4. Arrigo Sacchi
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Before Sacchi, Italian football was mostly about defense. He flipped that around. His AC Milan team in the late ’80s played with a high press and zonal marking that was pretty cutting-edge. He cared more about the team’s teamwork than individual players’ skills. Even though Sacchi didn’t coach as long as some others, his influence is massive. Coaches like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp have said his ideas inspired them. Sacchi also managed the Italian national team.
Career Achievements:
- 2 European Cups (Champions League)
- 1 Serie A title
- 1 Intercontinental Cup
- World Cup runner-up in 1994
3. Pep Guardiola
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Pep Guardiola is a Spanish coach who’s had a lot of success in a relatively short period. He’s known for his clever strategies, his focus on keeping the ball, and his high expectations for himself and his teams. Guardiola gained fame with Barcelona’s tiki-taka style from 2008 to 2012, a team many still think is one of the best ever. What makes Guardiola stand out is how he adjusts to different leagues. He’s done well in Spain, Germany, and England, making an impact wherever he goes. Besides Barcelona, he’s also managed Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Career Achievements:
- 3 La Liga titles
- 3 Bundesliga titles
- 6 English Premier League titles (including a treble)
- 3 UEFA Champions League trophies
- Multiple domestic cups in all three countries
2. Rinus Michels
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Rinus Michels really changed the game of football. He came up with Total Football, a style that shifted how the sport is played globally. Back in the 1970s, he took Ajax to new levels and had a big impact on Johan Cruyff. Michels encouraged players to switch positions and take on different roles, which helped shape modern attacking football. He also managed Barcelona in Spain. His time with the Netherlands national team took them to the World Cup final in 1974 and helped them win Euro 1988, making a big mark as one of the best managers in football history.
Career Achievements:
- 4 Eredivisie titles
- La Liga champion with Barcelona
- UEFA Euro 1988 winner
1. Sir Alex Ferguson
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When speaking of the greatest football managers of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson’s name almost always comes first. His career is truly unforgettable. When he took over Manchester United in 1986, he built a football powerhouse that lasted more than twenty years. Ferguson wasn’t just a manager; he was really good at understanding players, keeping them in check, and making smart game plans.
What set him apart was his knack for rebuilding winning teams, from the Class of ’92 with Beckham, Scholes, and Giggs to the Ronaldo-Rooney-Tevez days. His teams were tough, often scoring goals right at the end of matches, which is why people started calling it Fergie Time. He didn’t stick to one way of playing; he changed his style as football evolved and had success both at home and in Champions League football. Before Manchester United, he also managed Aberdeen.
Career Achievements:
- 13 English Premier League titles
- 2 UEFA Champions League trophies
- 5 FA Cups
- 10 Manager of the Year awards
- European Cup Winners’ Cup with Aberdeen
Managerial Influence on Football Evolution
The greatest football managers of all time come from different generations, and each era presents its own challenges. Back in the day, managers like Stein and Herrera really relied on people skills and their instincts.
Now, coaches like Guardiola and Klopp are more into using data and sports science. But at the core, it’s still about inspiring the team, sticking to a solid game plan, and going for the win. The best football managers ever are known for more than just the trophies they’ve won. Sacchi changed the game with his pressing style, which Klopp picked up on.
Cruyff’s way of positioning players shaped how Guardiola coaches. Ferguson’s strong presence inspired a whole new wave of Premier League managers. These guys really made an impact on football, and the sport will always remember them for it.
Conclusion
From Sir Alex Ferguson’s winning seasons to Pep Guardiola’s clever game plans and José Mourinho’s strategic approaches, these coaches have made a huge impact on football. The great managers aren’t just about the wins; they’ve built legacies and influenced how the game is played.
Their names are well-known in football, and their ideas are still inspiring teams today. Whether you admire Johan Cruyff’s vision, Arrigo Sacchi’s structure, or Jock Stein’s enthusiasm, it’s obvious that football wouldn’t be the same without these incredible leaders.
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Who is the best football manager to exist?
While at United, Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues, along with plenty of other awards. In total, he brought home 49 trophies, which makes him the most successful manager in history.
Is Pep Guardiola the best manager ever?
He’s one of the best managers out there. Pep Guardiola has some really great players, but he still has his struggles. When things got tough, like when he was at Barcelona going up against Mourinho’s Real Madrid, he seemed to take a step back for a while. After that, he went to Bayern Munich, which is also a strong team.
Who is the longest serving football manager?
After 1946, Guy Roux managed Auxerre for over 43 years, including a solid 36-year run. Alex Ferguson was at the helm of Manchester United for 26 years, making it the longest stay in English top football since the war. Arsène Wenger led Arsenal for 22 seasons.
Who has the longest coaching career in football?
Joachim Löw has been coaching Germany since August 2006, which makes him the longest-serving coach in international football.
Who is better, Pep Guardiola or Ancelotti?
Guardiola currently has 6 wins compared to Ancelotti’s 5, and they’ve drawn 3 times. But when it comes to Champions League games, Ancelotti has the upper hand, winning 4 out of 5 matches against Guardiola in 2014, 2022, 2024, and 2025, which is pretty impressive.
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