Football fans often enjoy debating who the greatest football manager of all time is. Deciding the top manager is a tough task, much like picking the best player. The impact of a manager on their team can sometimes be more significant than the players on the pitch. Over time, the role of a manager has evolved from being a mere secretary to becoming the face of the team. Let’s take a look at the greatest football managers, from modern legends like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti to football pioneers like Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff.
Ranking Factors
- Trophies won
- Longevity in the game
- Style of play
- Legacy
- Influence on the game
List of the Greatest Football Managers of All Time
10. Giovanni Trapattoni

Giovanni Trapattoni had a remarkable career, managing top clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich. Known for his defensive tactics, Trapattoni built teams that were strong at the back and clinical on the attack, winning numerous domestic league titles and European cups.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Juventus | 6 Serie A, 1 UEFA Champions League, 2 Coppa Italia |
Inter Milan | 1 Serie A, 1 UEFA Cup |
Bayern Munich | 1 Bundesliga |
ALSO READ: Top 10 Best Defenders in World Football History
9. Sir Matt Busby
Sir Matt Busby is best remembered for rebuilding Manchester United after the Munich air disaster and creating one of the club’s most iconic teams. His emphasis on youth development led to domestic and European success.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Manchester United | 5 First Division, 1 European Cup, 2 FA Cup |
8. Ernst Happel
Ernst Happel was the first manager to win the European Cup with two different clubs. His ability to guide teams to European glory in multiple countries solidified his status as one of the greatest football managers in history.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Feyenoord | 1 European Cup, 1 Eredivisie |
Hamburg | 1 European Cup, 2 Bundesliga |
7. Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti is known for his calm and strategic approach to management, guiding top clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid to success. His ability to manage egos and win major trophies is what sets him apart as one of the greatest football managers.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
AC Milan | 2 UEFA Champions League, 1 Serie A |
Chelsea | 1 Premier League, 4 FA Cup |
Real Madrid | 1 La Liga, 4 UEFA Champions League |
6. Bill Shankly
Bill Shankly transformed Liverpool FC into one of the most successful clubs in English football. His philosophy of hard work, discipline, and teamwork laid the foundation for the club’s future dominance in domestic and European competitions.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Liverpool | 3 First Division, 2 FA Cup, 1 UEFA Cup |
5. Helenio Herrera
Helenio Herrera is credited with creating the “catenaccio” style of football, a highly defensive approach. He enjoyed success with clubs like Inter Milan, where he won multiple European titles, and shaped Italian football in the 1960s.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Inter Milan | 2 European Cup, 2 Serie A, 2 Coppa Italia |
4. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff’s influence on football was immense, both as a player and manager. He introduced a possession-based style of play that has shaped many top teams, including Barcelona. His success with both Ajax and Barcelona makes him one of the greatest football managers of all time.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Barcelona | 4 La Liga, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Copa del Rey |
Ajax | 3 Eredivisie |
3. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is known for his attacking football, tactical brilliance, and ability to get the best out of his players. His successes with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City have made him a modern-day legend in the football managerial world.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Barcelona | 3 La Liga, 2 UEFA Champions League, 2 FIFA Club World Cup |
Bayern Munich | 3 Bundesliga, 2 DFB-Pokal, 1 UEFA Champions League |
Manchester City | 3 Premier League, 1 FA Cup, 1 UEFA Champions League |
2. Rinus Michels

Rinus Michels is often referred to as the father of “Total Football,” a system that emphasizes fluid movement and positional interchange. His success with Ajax and the Netherlands national team cemented his place as one of the greatest football managers ever.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Ajax | 4 Eredivisie, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 Intercontinental Cup |
Netherlands | UEFA European Championship (1988) |
1. Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as the best football manager of all time. He built one of the greatest football dynasties with Manchester United, winning numerous domestic and international titles. His ability to adapt over the years and manage top players made him a legendary figure in world football.
Team | Titles |
---|---|
Manchester United | 13 Premier League, 5 FA Cup, 2 UEFA Champions League, 3 League Cup |
These 10 managers have significantly shaped football history, winning numerous trophies, and leaving a legacy that continues to influence the game today. Their unique styles and tactical innovations make them the greatest football managers ever.
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