Football history isn't only defined by legendary players, but also by the tactical masterminds on the sidelines: the managers. As we all know, success in football management is often measured by one thing—trophies.
Yet, the true greatness of a manager goes beyond silverware. It's about shaping the game, innovating tactically, and leaving a lasting legacy. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top football managers of all time, ranked by their incredible success.
Below Are The Greatest Football Managers of All Time
10. Giovanni Trapattoni (23 Trophies)
A tactical mastermind known for his defensive nous, Giovanni Trapattoni ranks among football’s greatest managers with 23 trophies. He’s among the few managers to win league titles in four European countries.
Known for his time at Juventus, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich, Trapattoni’s Catenaccio-based tactics were often defensive but highly effective. Despite the more pragmatic approach, his teams always knew how to win, and he remains one of football's most decorated managers.
9. José Mourinho (25 Trophies)
The self-proclaimed “Special One,” José Mourinho burst onto the scene with Porto, winning the Champions League in 2004 before achieving iconic status with Chelsea. With 25 trophies, Mourinho’s managerial career has had peaks and valleys, but at his best, he’s been one of the most tactically astute and effective managers in the game.
His stints at Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United brought success, though his pragmatic style has sometimes divided opinion. At his peak, Mourinho was a master of strategy and player motivation.
8. Ottmar Hitzfeld (25 Trophies)
A German coaching legend, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s 25 trophies include multiple Bundesliga titles and Champions League victories with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Twice named World Coach of the Year, Hitzfeld's teams were always characterised by their tactical organisation and resilience. He was one of the few managers, who mastered the art of European and domestic dominance, leaving an everlasting mark on German football.
7. Luiz Felipe Scolari (26 Trophies)
A name synonymous with Brazil’s footballing glory, Luiz Felipe Scolari's managerial career spans over four decades, with 26 trophies across multiple countries, including Brazil’s 2002 World Cup triumph. Known for his passion and tactical discipline, Scolari has won silverware in Brazil, China, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and beyond.
Though his European stint was less successful, particularly at Chelsea, Scolari's impact on the global football scene remains profound, especially on the international stage.
6. Jock Stein (26 Trophies)
Jock Stein is a Scottish football icon, having transformed Celtic into a European powerhouse during the 1960s and 1970s. With 26 trophies, including 10 league titles and the famous European Cup victory in 1967, Stein set the bar for future managers.
His Celtic team was the first British club to win the European Cup, and his influence on Scottish football is still felt today. Known for his man-management skills, Stein’s legacy as one of football’s most successful managers is unquestioned.
5. Carlo Ancelotti (28 Trophies)
Carlo Ancelotti’s calm demeanour belies a record of remarkable success. The Italian manager is the only coach to win league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues, with 28 trophies to his name. His ability to adapt to different leagues, cultures, and challenges has made him one of the most versatile managers in football.
Ancelotti’s crowning achievement is his record number of UEFA Champions League titles, with his latest two victories coming in 2022 and 2024. His leadership style focuses on harmony and player management, which has won him respect and success wherever he goes.
4. Valeriy Lobanovskyi (29 Trophies)
A revolutionary in football tactics, Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the rise of Soviet football. The Ukrainian coach is best known for his time at Dynamo Kyiv, where he collected 29 trophies and reached the upper echelons of European football.
His innovations in "Total Football" and tactical rigour helped shape football as we know it today. Lobanovskyi was a master tactician and motivator, known for his deep understanding of the game and his ability to consistently make his teams overperform.
3. Mircea Lucescu (32 Trophies)
Mircea Lucescu may not have the same global name recognition as Ferguson or Guardiola, but his record speaks for itself. The Romanian tactician has enjoyed success across Europe, notably with Shakhtar Donetsk, winning 32 trophies across Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia. Known for his attacking philosophy and developing young talent, Lucescu remains one of the most respected managers in football, even into his later years.
2. Pep Guardiola (39 Trophies)
Considered a tactical genius, Pep Guardiola has redefined modern football wherever he’s gone. His success with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City has brought him 39 trophies, including three trebles. Guardiola’s fluid "tiki-taka" style revolutionised how teams play, focusing on possession, high pressing, and intricate passing.
His influence goes beyond the trophies—his methods have inspired a new era of managers. With City becoming the first team in Premier League history to win four consecutive titles, Guardiola is continually shaping football’s future.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson (48 Trophies)
When it comes to success, Sir Alex Ferguson stands in a league of his own. With an incredible 48 trophies, the Scottish legend dominated English football for over two decades with Manchester United. His reign brought 13 Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions Leagues, and numerous domestic and international honours.
Ferguson's legacy isn’t just about the trophies, though; his ability to constantly reinvent his squad and maintain dominance across generations is what truly sets him apart. He famously turned young talents into global stars, instilled discipline, and was a master of psychological mind games.
Whether through longevity, adaptability, or sheer brilliance, these managers are icons of success, their legacies forever intertwined with football history.
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