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Top 10 Highest-Paid Soccer Coaches as Mikel Arteta Extends Arsenal Contract

Money continues to pile up at the top of the soccer world, especially for managers commanding some of the biggest clubs. These coaches are increasingly prized, with their pay reflecting their value as teams strive to retain them or lure them away.

Mikel Arteta recently signed a new deal at Arsenal, reportedly earning a significant raise that places him among the top earners globally.

Who Tops the Earnings List?

The highest-paid manager currently is Simone Inzaghi of Al Hilal, pulling in about €26 million annually (£22.3m / $29.8m). The Saudi club secured him with a lucrative contract after his stint at Inter Milan.

Diego Simeone, now with Atletico Madrid, ranks second. He once led the list but took a pay cut in 2023 to help his club’s finances. After 13 years at Atletico, he's a revered figure with eight trophies including two La Liga titles and two Champions League final appearances.

Luis Enrique of PSG ranks third following a fresh contract this month that boosted his salary substantially.

  • Rank: 1
  • Manager: Simone Inzaghi
  • Club: Al Hilal
  • Salary (gross): £22.3m / $29.8m
  • Contract until: July 2027
  • Rank: 2
  • Manager: Diego Simeone
  • Club: Atletico Madrid
  • Salary (gross): £20.1m / $26.8m
  • Contract until: July 2027
  • Rank: 3
  • Manager: Luis Enrique
  • Club: PSG
  • Salary (gross): £17.2m / $22.9m
  • Contract until: July 2030
  • Rank: 4
  • Manager: Mikel Arteta
  • Club: Arsenal
  • Salary (gross): £15m / $20m*
  • Contract until: July 2030*
  • Rank: 5
  • Manager: Oliver Glasner
  • Club: Nottingham Forest
  • Salary (gross): £13m / $17.4m
  • Contract until: July 2029
  • Rank: 6
  • Manager: Jose Mourinho
  • Club: Real Madrid
  • Salary (gross): £12m / $16m
  • Contract until: July 2029
  • Rank: 7
  • Manager: Ange Postecoglou
  • Club: Al Nassr
  • Salary (gross): £11.7m / $15.6m
  • Contract until: July 2028
  • Rank: 8
  • Manager: Xabi Alonso
  • Club: Chelsea
  • Salary (gross): £11.5m / $15.4m
  • Contract until: July 2030
  • Rank: 9
  • Manager: Luciano Spalletti
  • Club: Juventus
  • Salary (gross): £11.2m / $14.9m
  • Contract until: July 2028
  • Rank: 10
  • Manager: Enzo Maresca
  • Club: Man City
  • Salary (gross): £10m / $13.3m
  • Contract until: July 2029

*There are reports suggesting Arteta's actual pay is higher than the previous £10 million base plus £5 million bonuses, though full details and contract length remain unclear.

Mikel Arteta Commits Long-Term to Arsenal

On September 22, 2026, Arsenal confirmed that Mikel Arteta had signed a new contract extension. While official terms weren't disclosed immediately, insider Sami Mokbel from the BBC suggests this deal will keep Arteta at the club through at least 2030.

This means Arteta could reach a decade in charge at the Emirates, a rare feat. His pay apparently rose sharply from the reported £10 million per year plus bonuses to place him near the top ranks globally.

Arteta's rise from former player to one of the world's best-paid coaches illustrates the changing economics of top-level soccer management.

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