The best football managers in Europe 2025 have shaped this season with remarkable achievements, tactical brilliance, and leadership that transformed their teams. The 2024–25 European football season highlighted their skills and strategic decisions that led to historic moments and trophies. This article ranks the 10 best football managers in Europe 2025, analyzing their impacts with detailed stats and performances.
List of 10 Best Football Managers in Europe 2025
10. Niko Kovač – Borussia Dortmund
Niko Kovač ranks as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025 due to his exceptional turnaround of Borussia Dortmund’s season. Taking charge midway, Kovač implemented a bold switch to a 3-4-3 formation, which reinvigorated Dortmund’s attacking style and tightened their defense. This change played a major role in improving the team’s overall performance. His tactical decisions and man-management helped Dortmund secure Champions League qualification by finishing 4th in the Bundesliga a strong achievement that highlights Kovač as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Bundesliga Finish | 4th |
| Final 8 Matches | 7 Wins, 1 Draw |
| Goals Scored (Final 8) | 26 |
This strong finish underlines why Kovač ranks among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
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9. Nuno Espírito Santo – Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espírito Santo is firmly among the best football managers in Europe 2025 because he guided Nottingham Forest to an unexpected European competition return after 30 years. His smart recruitment and focus on a quick counter-attacking style allowed Forest to defy expectations in the Premier League. By finishing 7th, Nuno demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level, solidifying his reputation as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025. His skillful use of resources and tactical setup boosted Forest’s goal-scoring and defensive records alike.
| Metric | Value |
| Premier League Finish | 7th |
| Goals Scored | 58 |
| Clean Sheets | 12 |
This success makes Nuno Espírito Santo stand out as one of the best football managers in Europe.
8. Claudio Ranieri – AS Roma
Among the best football managers in Europe 2025, Claudio Ranieri’s return from retirement is remarkable. He led AS Roma through an unbeaten 19-game streak, showcasing his defensive organization and experience. Although Roma narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, Ranieri’s leadership and tactical discipline were vital in stabilizing the club’s performance during a challenging season. His ability to manage a squad with limited resources cements him as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Serie A Finish | 5th |
| Unbeaten Run | 19 Games |
| Goals Conceded | 22 |
This unbeaten run and defensive record clearly place Ranieri among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
7. Oliver Glasner – Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner is recognized as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025 for achieving historic success with Crystal Palace. Under his management, Palace won their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup, and secured a respectable 10th place finish in the Premier League. Despite a rocky start, Glasner’s tactical adaptability and man-management helped the team reach new heights. His emphasis on solid defense combined with effective attacking play is why Glasner is counted among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Premier League Finish | 10th |
| FA Cup Result | Winners |
| Goals Scored | 54 |
Glasner’s success with Palace highlights his rising profile among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
6. Vincenzo Italiano – Bologna
Vincenzo Italiano has cemented his place among the best football managers in Europe 2025 with his impressive achievements at Bologna. He led the team to their first Coppa Italia title in over 50 years while securing a solid 6th place in Serie A. Italiano’s ability to overcome early season difficulties and integrate new players seamlessly showcases his managerial skills. His work ethic, tactical insight, and motivational approach have made him one of the best football managers in Europe 2025 this season.
| Metric | Value |
| Serie A Finish | 6th |
| Coppa Italia Result | Winners |
| Goals Scored | 60 |
His achievements this season place Italiano firmly among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
5. Eddie Howe – Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s outstanding work places him among the best football managers in Europe 2025. He ended Newcastle United’s 70-year domestic trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and achieved a 5th place finish in the Premier League. Howe’s ability to build a strong, competitive squad through intelligent tactics and player development has been central to Newcastle’s resurgence. His leadership and strategic mindset make him one of the most influential and best football managers in Europe 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Premier League Finish | 5th |
| Carabao Cup Result | Winners |
| Goals Scored | 65 |
Howe’s tactical mastery and ability to motivate his squad confirm his place among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
4. Antonio Conte – Napoli
Antonio Conte is widely regarded as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025 thanks to his remarkable work at Napoli. Conte took charge when the club was 10th in Serie A and transformed them into champions by the end of the season. His tactical discipline, high pressing game, and ability to motivate the squad turned Napoli into a dominant force. Conte’s strategic signings and adjustments to playing style reflect why he is counted among the best football managers in Europe 2025. His success brought Napoli their first league title in years, showcasing his managerial excellence.
| Metric | Value |
| Serie A Finish | 1st |
| Goals Scored | 72 |
| Goals Conceded | 30 |
Conte’s winning mentality and tactical adjustments are why he is counted among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
3. Arne Slot – Liverpool
Arne Slot ranks high among the best football managers in Europe 2025 due to his impressive debut season with Liverpool. He led the team to the Premier League title by developing the league’s best attack combined with a strong defense. Slot’s tactical innovation, especially in flexible attacking formations and pressing, helped Liverpool regain dominance in English football. His approach and results firmly establish him as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Premier League Finish | 1st |
| Goals Scored | 85 |
| Goals Conceded | 28 |
Slot’s tactical acumen and attacking philosophy have made Liverpool a dominant force, solidifying his place among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
2. Hansi Flick – Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s debut season at Barcelona earned him a spot among the best football managers in Europe 2025. Under Flick’s leadership, Barcelona achieved a historic domestic treble, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa. His emphasis on fast-paced football, youth integration, and strong tactical structures revolutionized the team’s play. Flick’s ability to blend experience with emerging talent is a key reason he is praised as one of the best football managers in Europe 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| La Liga Finish | 1st |
| Copa del Rey Result | Winners |
| Supercopa Result | Winners |
Flick’s dynamic management style and immediate success place him among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
1. Luis Enrique – Paris Saint-Germain
Luis Enrique tops the list of the best football managers in Europe 2025 for his transformational impact on Paris Saint-Germain. Enrique built a cohesive and balanced team, leading PSG to win the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Additionally, his tactical mastery guided PSG to the Champions League final, reaffirming their status as a European powerhouse. Enrique’s ability to manage star players, implement a fluid attacking style, and maintain defensive solidity makes him the undisputed number one among the best football managers in Europe 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Ligue 1 Finish | 1st |
| Coupe de France Result | Winners |
| Champions League | Finalists |
Luis Enrique’s remarkable achievements highlight why he is considered the best football manager in Europe 2025.
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