Top 6 Young Football Managers in the World

There are many experienced managers with a wealth of achievements in today’s football scene.

On the other hand, a noteworthy development is the rise of young managers to the elite levels.

While some get prestigious roles early in their careers, others move up the ladder by making an impression in lower leagues.

The world’s best young managers, taking into account major trophy victories but leaving out minor titles such as the Community Shield.

The length of a career and the level of competition in each league will be taken into account when ranking. The 45-year-old age limit is the age threshold for inclusion.

World’s top young football managers

1. Ruben Amorim

When Amorim took the helm at Braga, he won the Portuguese League Cup in his only season (2019–20). His success was noted by Sporting Lisbon, who appointed him for the 2020–21 campaign.

His first season with the league’s biggest clubs was incredible, as they won the Portuguese League Cup for the second time in a row and achieved their first top-flight championship in 19 years.

Amorim has already won three Portuguese League Cups, one league championship, and one Portuguese Super Cup during his brief time as manager.

2. Julian Nagelsmann

Nagelsmann took over as manager of TSG Hoffenheim in 2016–17 and led the team to an impressive fourth place.

After that, the German moved to RB Leipzig, where he finished third in 2019–20 and advanced to the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

After that, he joined Bayern Munich, finishing first in the league and the Super Cup.

But halfway through his second season, he was fired. With Nagelsmann taking over as manager in September 2023, Germany is expected to qualify for Euro 2024.

3. Mikel Arteta

After serving as Manchester City’s assistant coach under Pep Guardiola, Arteta took over as manager of Arsenal in December 2019, which was his first experience managing at the highest level.

The Gunners’ fortunes have turned around under his leadership, going from being mere top-four contenders to title contenders in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s best league finish since 2015–16 was achieved in the 2022–23 season, when they came close to winning the treble with Man City, finishing second, only five points behind Guardiola’s team.

They are currently only two points behind Liverpool in third place in the 2023–24 season, and they are still in the running for the championship. If Arteta leads Arsenal to victory, it would be their first league win since their 2003–04 undefeated campaign.

4. Edin Terzic (Borussia Dortmund)

After more than a decade of playing football in Germany’s fourth tier, Terzic moved into scouting and helped the youth team of Borussia Dortmund.

He went to West Ham United and Besiktas with Slaven Bilic as his assistant for Croatia starting in 2012.

2018 Terzic returned to Dortmund to serve as Lucien Favre’s assistant. Later, after Favre was fired, in December 2020, he took over as manager in an acting capacity.

Dortmund will face more difficult obstacles in the 2023–2024 Bundesliga season after missing out on promotion in the previous one. They are currently fourth, behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart, and Bayern Munich.

5. Xabi Alonso (Bayern Leverkusen)

Before taking charge of Real Sociedad’s B team, Alonso started his managerial career at Real Madrid as a youth coach.

When he became the CEO of Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, that was his big break.

Alonso joined the team in the middle of the season, but his tactical skills were evident and he led them to a respectable sixth-place result.

Alonso has flourished this season, setting Leverkusen up for what could be their first Bundesliga title and their first trophy chance since 1993.

6. Vincent Kompany (Burnley)

The former captain of Manchester City was thought to be the best person to lead the team back to the Premier League following their relegation to the Championship in the 2021–2022 season because of his success at Anderlecht.

Burnley finished the season with 101 points after Kompany expertly guided the team to the Championship title. Burnley lost just three games and amassed over 100 points.

But they have faced difficulties since rejoining the Premier League. With only three wins so far, the Clarets, who are currently in 19th place, will have to fight hard to avoid relegation.