The world’s wealthiest football manager is £25 million richer than Pep Guardiola.

Football management is no longer just about tactics and trophies—it’s also a high-stakes financial game.

Today’s top managers often earn salaries rivaling those of their star players, but many would be surprised to learn who holds the title of the world’s richest manager.

While names like Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Jurgen Klopp might come to mind, none of them top the list. That distinction belongs to Wayne Rooney, who surpasses Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola by an impressive £25 million.

During his playing career, Rooney was one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. At Manchester United, he earned £250,000 per week, which increased to £300,000 with commercial deals. His transition to management has been equally lucrative, with reports indicating he earned around £800,000 annually while managing D.C. United in the MLS.

Rooney’s on-field achievements are legendary, cementing his legacy as Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals and holding England’s top scorer title until 2023.

In contrast, Guardiola’s estimated net worth of £100 million, while substantial, pales in comparison. Yet the Manchester City manager earns an astounding £20 million annually, making him the highest-paid manager in the Premier League. Renowned for his tactical brilliance, Guardiola has redefined modern football and led City to a historic treble in the 2022/23 season.

Despite Guardiola’s unmatched success on the sidelines, it’s Rooney’s combined earnings from his illustrious playing career and managerial roles that crown him the wealthiest manager in the football world.