The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup isn’t just a showcase of elite players—it’s also a battlefield for the game’s sharpest minds. Behind every title contender stands a coach whose tactics and leadership shape the team’s destiny.
With clubs pouring millions into strategy from the sidelines, coaching salaries have hit staggering new highs. As soccer evolves, top managers are commanding paychecks once reserved for star players.
This year’s tournament features seasoned tacticians and rising masterminds, but only one stands as the highest-paid of them all. The numbers might surprise, but the pressure they carry is even greater.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Who’s the highest-paid coach?
The highest-paid coach at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is Diego Simeone, the long-standing manager of Atlético Madrid. According to Finance Football, he earns approximately €34 million gross per season (about $36.2 million).
Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on May 12, 2024. (Source: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He’s not only the best-paid coach in the tournament but also one of the top earners globally in soccer management. His contract includes a fixed salary and performance-based bonuses, which reflect his status and success at the club.
Atlético Madrid officially qualified for the 2025 Club World Cup through UEFA’s ranking system and will compete in Group B, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Botafogo and Seattle Sounders, confirming his direct participation.
The talented coach has managed the popular team since 2011, leading them to a La Liga title, two UEFA Europa League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups and multiple deep runs in the UEFA Champions League.
His tenure is one of the longest in top-flight European soccer, and his influence extends beyond tactics. His high salary reflects the value Atlético places on his leadership and ability to keep the team competitive against Europe’s elite.
Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and CA Osasuna at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in 2024. (Source: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
In a Club World Cup that features coaching heavyweights like Simone Inzaghi (Al Hilal) and Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), he stands out as the highest-paid and one of the most experienced, bringing both pedigree and intensity to the stage.
| Top | Coach | Team | Salary |
| 1 | Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid | €34 million |
| 2 | Pep Guardiola | Manchester City | €22,5 million |
| 3 | Luis Enrique | PSG | €10 million |
| 4 | Xabi Alonso | Real Madrid | €9 million |
| 5 | Vincent Kompany | Bayern | €8 million |
| 6 | Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan | €6,5 million |
| 7 | Marcelo Gallardo | River Plate | €6 million |
| 8 | Enzo Maresca | Chelsea | €4,8 million |
| 9 | Abel Ferreira | Palmeiras | €4,7 million |
| 10 | Niko Kovač | Borussia | €3,5 million |
