Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti tops the list of the highest-paid national team coaches in the world, according to the latest figures released in 2026. The Italian tactician earns an annual salary of €23 million, placing him well ahead of his closest rivals.
Portugal’s Roberto Martinez comes in second with a yearly wage of €18 million, while England boss Gareth Southgate occupies third place on €12 million per year. The top five is completed by France’s Didier Deschamps on €10 million and an Arab coach who has broken into the elite bracket.
That Arab coach is Morocco’s Walid Regragui, who sits fifth on the list with an annual salary of €8 million. Regragui’s inclusion among the world’s best-paid international managers reflects the remarkable rise of the Atlas Lions under his leadership, particularly their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
The figures, confirmed by multiple sources, show a clear hierarchy in international football’s coaching market. Ancelotti’s salary is more than double that of third-placed Southgate, underlining the premium placed on his services by the Spanish giants.
Martinez’s second-place ranking follows his move to the Portugal job after leaving Belgium, while Southgate’s position reflects his long tenure and consistent results with England. Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final, remains among the highest earners despite a slight drop in his base salary.
Regragui’s presence in the top five is a landmark moment for Arab football. The 49-year-old has transformed Morocco into a global force, and his salary now matches the stature of the continent’s most successful coaches. His deal with the Moroccan Football Federation runs until 2026, with performance-related bonuses included.
The list also features several other notable names. Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann earns €7.2 million, while Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, who led his country to World Cup glory in 2022, takes home €6.5 million. Brazil’s Dorival Júnior rounds out the top ten on €5.8 million.
These figures cover base salaries only and do not include bonuses for tournament qualification, progression, or titles. Several coaches have clauses that could significantly increase their earnings depending on results at major competitions.
The data was compiled from official contracts and federation disclosures, offering a rare transparent look at the financial side of international management. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, these numbers could shift as new deals are negotiated and performance bonuses kick in.
