For more than ten generations, the world of football has been graced by many legendary coaches who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Football, much like humanity, has evolved over the years. Football coaching back in 1940 is not the same as it was in 2024. But which of them makes the list of top football coaches.
A lot has changed, but while there are scores of coaches who have influenced the way football is played, there are those who have risen to the status of the GOAT.
top 10 best football Coaches
Here is our list of the top 10 greatest football coaches of all time, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and explaining why they are considered the greatest of all time (GOAT).
1. Sir Alex Ferguson
Achievements:
13 Premier League titles with Manchester United
2 UEFA Champions League titles
5 FA Cups
4 League Cups
Numerous other domestic and international titles
Why He’s on the List: Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure at Manchester United is the epitome of sustained success. His ability to rebuild and rejuvenate the team over decades, his tactical acumen, and his knack for nurturing young talent have made him a legend.
His impact on the game extends beyond titles, as he has influenced a generation of coaches and players. While his greatness as a coach was cemented at Manchester United, it was initial success at Aberdeen FC that set him above the rest.
Upsetting Scottish powerhouses like Rangers FC and Celtic to win several domestic titles and cups, while also beating the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to win continental titles sealed his greatness as untouchable.
2. Pep Guardiola
Achievements:
3 La Liga titles with Barcelona
3 UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona and Manchester City
3 Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich
5 Premier League titles with Manchester City
Numerous domestic cups in Spain, Germany, and England
Why He’s on the List: Pep Guardiola revolutionized football with his tiki-taka style, emphasizing possession and fluidity. His success across three of Europe’s top leagues underscores his tactical brilliance and adaptability. Guardiola’s innovative approaches have left a lasting legacy on the sport.
3. José Mourinho
Achievements:
2 UEFA Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan
3 Premier League titles with Chelsea
1 La Liga title with Real Madrid
2 Serie A titles with Inter Milan
2 Europa League titles with Porto and Manchester United
1 Europa Conference League
Numerous domestic and international titles with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Porto
Why He’s on the List: José Mourinho’s ability to deliver instant success at multiple clubs is unparalleled.
Known for his tactical nous and mind games, Mourinho has a remarkable track record in both domestic and European competitions. His pragmatic approach and charismatic personality make him one of football’s most iconic figures.
4. Carlo Ancelotti
Achievements:
4 UEFA Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid
Domestic titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain
Numerous domestic cups
Why He’s on the List: Carlo Ancelotti’s calm demeanor and tactical flexibility have brought him success across Europe. He is one of the few coaches to have won the Champions League three times, demonstrating his expertise in managing high-pressure situations.
Ancelotti’s ability to adapt to different football cultures makes him a true global coaching legend.
5. Johan Cruyff
Achievements:
4 La Liga titles with Barcelona
1 European Cup Winners’ Cup with Barcelona
Numerous domestic cups
Why He’s on the List: Johan Cruyff’s influence on football transcends his trophy haul. As a coach, he laid the foundations for Barcelona’s modern success, promoting a philosophy of attacking, possession-based football.
His ideas have inspired countless coaches, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of the game.
6. Matt Busby
Achievements:
5 First Division titles with Manchester United
2 FA Cups
1 European Cup
Why He’s on the List: Matt Busby rebuilt Manchester United after World War II, creating a team that embodied attacking football and youth development.
His crowning achievement was leading United to their first European Cup in 1968, overcoming the tragic Munich air disaster. Busby’s legacy is one of resilience and innovation.
7. Bill Shankly
Achievements:
3 First Division titles with Liverpool
2 FA Cups
1 UEFA Cup
Why He’s on the List: Bill Shankly transformed Liverpool from a second-tier club into a dominant force in English football.
His charismatic leadership and emphasis on teamwork and fitness laid the groundwork for Liverpool’s future successes. Shankly’s influence is still felt at Anfield, making him a true icon of the sport.
8. Fabio Capello
Achievements:
5 Serie A titles with AC Milan, AS Roma, and Juventus
2 La Liga titles with Real Madrid
1 UEFA Champions League title with AC Milan
Why He’s on the List: Fabio Capello’s tactical discipline and strong defensive organization brought success to every club he managed.
His ability to win titles in different leagues, coupled with his Champions League triumph, cements his place among the greats. Capello’s meticulous approach and winning mentality have set high standards in football management.
9. Jürgen Klopp
Achievements:
2 Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund
1 Premier League title with Liverpool
1 UEFA Champions League title with Liverpool
Numerous domestic and international cups
Why He’s on the List: Jürgen Klopp’s charismatic personality and high-energy, pressing style have reinvigorated every team he has coached.
At Liverpool, he ended a 30-year league title drought and led the team to Champions League glory. Klopp’s ability to build strong, cohesive teams and his emotional connection with fans make him a modern coaching legend.
10. Arsène Wenger
Achievements:
3 Premier League titles with Arsenal
7 FA Cups
Numerous domestic cups
Why He’s on the List: Arsène Wenger revolutionized English football with his innovative ideas on diet, fitness, and training. His Arsenal teams were renowned for their attacking flair and technical prowess.
Wenger’s “Invincibles” season, where Arsenal went unbeaten in the league, remains one of the greatest achievements in football history.
These ten coaches have not only amassed impressive trophy hauls but have also shaped the way football is played and managed. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations, solidifying their status as the greatest coaches in the history of football.
If you don’t agree with the list or there are candidates missing, cast your vote in the poll below or send us your analysis in the form below.
