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Top 10 Best Spanish Managers - 2025 (Ranked)

13 min
Top Spanish Managers 2025 | Best Spanish Coaches Ranked

Summary

Luis Enrique tops the list of best Spanish managers in 2025, leading PSG to their first-ever Champions League title. The ranking considers trophies, win percentage, and tactical impact. Pep Guardiola (2nd) and Mikel Arteta (3rd) follow, with Guardiola's influence on modern football highlighted. Xabi Alonso (6th) earns praise for his rapid rise, while Unai Emery (4th) revitalized Aston Villa. The list also includes Luis de la Fuente (5th), who led Spain to Euro 2024 glory, and emerging talents like Michel (10th). Tactical styles and current form were key factors in the evaluations.
Table of content

Spain has been one of the footballing powerhouses over the years and certainly in modern-day football. Spain’s national side and Spanish clubs have been exceptional to watch in every competition. This incredible footballing culture has not only led to some exceptional players coming in from their ranks but also some brilliant Spanish managers dominating world football.

Filled with tactical nous, innovative ideas and just pure love for the game, loads of Spanish managers have performed exceedingly well across leagues in Europe. Many are still in action and are dominating world football. From one of the most decorated managers, Pep Guardiola, dominating the English Premier League, to 2 times treble winner Luis Enrique, winning the UEFA Champions League, we have included some of the best Spanish managers in the world right now.

List of Best Spanish Coaches (2025)

It’s tough to pick just 10 Spanish managers, given Spain’s incredible history of producing tactical masterminds who have shaped the game with their innovative strategies and passion for football. But after hours of discussion and analysing the managerial stats of some of the active Spanish managers, we were able to rank down the best spanish coaches.

RankManagerCurrent Club/TeamWin %League PositionMajor Managerial AwardsTactical Style
10MíchelGirona FC2716th (La Liga)None4-1-4-1, attacking, possession-based
9Jose BordalásGetafe33.3313th (La Liga)None4-4-2, defensive, physical, direct
8Imanol AlguacilReal Sociedad42.3111th (La Liga)1× Copa del Rey (2020)4-3-3, possession-based, high press
7Ernesto ValverdeAthletic Club484th (La Liga)1× La Liga, 3× Copa del Rey, 1× UEFA Super Cup4-2-3-1, high press, direct play
6Xabi AlonsoReal Madrid66.661× Bundesliga, 1× DFB-Pokal3-4-3, possession-based, fluid transitions
5Luis de la FuenteSpain821× UEFA Euro (2024), 1× UEFA Nations League (2023)4-2-3-1, balanced, versatile
4Unai EmeryAston Villa57.696th (Premier League)4× Europa League, 1× Ligue 14-4-2 / 4-2-3-1, pragmatic, counter-attacking
3Mikel ArtetaArsenal54.552nd (Premier League)1× FA Cup4-3-3, possession-based, high press
2Pep GuardiolaManchester City51.793rd (Premier League)3× UCL, 6× Premier League, 4× La Liga, 3× Bundesliga, 9 domestic cups4-3-3, tiki-taka, inverted full-backs
1Luis EnriquePSG751st (Ligue 1)1× UCL, 2× La Liga, 3× Copa del Rey, 1× UEFA Super Cup, 1× Club World Cup4-3-3, possession-based, high press

How We Ranked the Best Spanish Football Managers Currently?

Ranking the best Spanish football managers in 2025 involves evaluating their current impact, tactical innovation, and success in top-tier competitions. Below are the key factors used to determine their rankings:

  • Trophies Won: The primary factor for ranking the best Spanish managers is looking at their number of trophies won, which reflects their direct impact on their respective team.
  • Win Percentage: The second parameter considered while ranking the best Spanish football managers is their overall win percentage throughout the season. We have considered the win percentage of Spanish managers in the recent season.
  • Current Form & Impact: The third factor we’ve considered while compiling the list of the best Spanish managers is their current form, how well they’ve led their team throughout this season, and what was their overall impact.
  • Managerial Awards & Honors: The last parameter that was considered was the managerial awards & honors won this season by these managers.

Who are the Best Spanish Managers Right Now?

We have given a brief overview of the top 10 best Spanish managers right now, showcasing their current success, tactical brilliance, and impact on the game. Below is the detailed ranking of these managers, evaluated based on their win percentages, 2024–25 league positions, major managerial awards, and tactical styles as of 2025.

10. Michel (Age: 49 | Girona)

Míchel
Míchel (Image Credit: X / @GironaFC)

In the last position on our list of the best Spanish managers, we have Miguel Angel Sanchez Munoz, aka Michel. The Spanish manager is currently managing Girona FC. Even though Girona hasn’t looked as spark as you would expect from a team in a top tier, he has done his homework and is trying to build a team around young players.

This season, the Spaniard has managed the club for 44 matches, winning 12, losing 23, and drawing 9 across all competitions. With a win percentage of 27%, he has looked out of tactics, failing to capitalize on many occasions. His tactics on overinfusing midfielders (4-1-4-1) have failed to deliver any impact. Girona as a team has seen a drastic drop in performance due to their main players leaving for other teams after a great 2023/24 season. However, Michel is trying to build a squad with homegrown talents and a few loanees.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
Girona FCNone4427None
Michel’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

9. Jose Bordalas (Age: 61 | Getafe)

Jose Bordalas
Jose Bordalas (Image Credit: X / @GetafeCF)

Jose Bordalas has managed loads of clubs but is most remembered for his multiple stints at Getafe. His aggressive style of tactical setups is what he is known for. His main formation is 4-4-2, where he relies on set pieces while using ‘Anti-football’ low block as a base. This season, Getafe has struggled a lot, but thankfully, they weren’t in the relegation zone.

Although Bordalas hasn’t won any trophy in his managerial career so far but so far he is considered one of the best Spanish coaches this year. He has managed Azulones for 42 matches, winning 14, losing 19, while drawing 9, averaging 1.21 points per match this season across all competitions.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
GetafeNone4233.33None
Jose Bordalas’ 2024/25 Managerial Stats

8. Imanol Alguacil (Age: 54 | Real Sociedad)

Imanol Alguacil
Imanol Alguacil (Image Credit: X / @RealSociedad)

Imanol Alguacil started his managerial career with Real Sociedad‘s youth team in 2011. He led the club to its first trophy in the 21st century during the 2019-20 season, when they won the Copa del Rey. And since then, he has been with the club, leading them season after season. His primary tactical formation, which he prefers, is 4-3-3, a possession-based formation. The Spanish manager has always prioritized academic talents and nurturing them.

Although he hasn’t won any European tournament as of now, he has consistently led the club into European tournaments, failing occasionally. This season, he has led Real Sociedad for 52 matches, winning 22 matches, losing 21, and drawing 9, with a win percentage of 42.31%.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
Real SociedadNone5242.31None
Imanol Alguacil’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

7. Ernesto Valverde (Age: 61 | Athletic Club)

Ernesto Valverde
Ernesto Valverde (Image Credit: X / @LaLiga)

One of the Spanish football managers, Ernesto Valverde, has done wonders in the Spanish top tier with his performances. The Spanish manager led the Blaugrana to multiple trophies during his stints at the club and also won silverware with Barcelona. This season, his team was in good form, but couldn’t finish in the top 3 unfortunately, but did qualify for the European tournament.

With a win percentage of 48%, he has managed the Bilbao side for 50 games, winning 24, losing 14, and drawing 12. His philosophy of providing defensive stability and attacking width with a 4-2-3-1 formation has done wonders for the Spanish club.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
Athletic ClubNone5048None
Ernesto Valverde’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

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6. Xabi Alonso (Age: 43 | Real Madrid)

Xabi Alonso (Image Credit: X / @bayer04_en)
Xabi Alonso (Image Credit: X / @bayer04_en)

Surprised? Xabi Alonso is a relatively new manager, having started as a first-team manager in late 2022. However, he does make the list because of what he has achieved in such a short time already. Alonso became Bayer Leverkusen’s manager mid-season in 2022. In his first full season (2023-24), he helped them win the Bundesliga title for the first time in history, along with the DFB-Pokal.

They did so by remaining unbeaten throughout. They lost just one game in the entire season – the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta. It will be interesting to see where Alonso goes from here. Even during the 2024/25 season, he continued to impress everyone with his unique set of tactics. Now, he is all set to lead Real Madrid in the 2025/26 season. He has already managed the 15-time UCL Champions in the FIFA Club World Cup and proved his metal in the competition by winning 4/6 matches.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
Real Madrid-666.66
Xabi Alonso’s 2025 Managerial Stats

5. Luis de la Fuente (Age: 64 | Spain National Football Team)

Luis de la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente (Image Credit: X / @SEFutbol)

Luis de la Fuente might not have the big honours some of the other names on the list might have, but his influence on Spanish football cannot be understated. He recently led Spain to the UEFA Euro 2024 win and also won the UEFA Nations League in the 2022-23 season with them. However, de la Fuente’s real influence lies in his work with Spain’s youth sides. He won the U19 Euros and the U21 Euros and has helped develop many big stars in the country.

Recently, the Spain national team reached the UEFA Nations League final, but ultimately lost to the Portugal side in a penalty shootout. He managed the side for 17 games the previous year and won the majority of the games with his tactics. Fuente had a winning percentage of 82% which made him one of the best Spanish manager.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
Spain1× UEFA Euro1782IFFHS Men's World Best National Coach award in 2024
Luis de la Fuente’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

4. Unai Emery (Age: 53 | Aston Villa)

Unai Emery
Unai Emery (Image Credit: X / @AVFCOfficial)

Unai Emery had an underwhelming spell at Arsenal but apart from that, he’s been one of the best Spanish managers in recent times. He won three UEFA Europa League trophies with Sevilla and one with Villarreal as well. He also won multiple trophies with PSG. Emery also brought Aston Villa from a position of fighting the relegation battle to qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in the 2023-24 season.

The Spanish manager has been brilliant at almost every club he’s been at. Even at Aston Villa, he has been doing a marvelous job, finishing in the 6th position in the EPL table and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. The Spanish manager has proved his mettle in different leagues with different teams and is considered one of the best Spanish managers right now.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
Aston VillaNone5257.69None
Unai Emery’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

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3. Mikel Arteta (Age: 43 | Arsenal)

Mikel Arteta (Image Credit: X / @Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta (Image Credit: X / @Arsenal)

Under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have regained their status as contenders in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League in the last few seasons. Arsenal is the only team, alongside Liverpool, to give a tough challenge to the dominant Manchester City in the Premier League. This season, he averaged 1.93 points per game with a win percentage of 54.55%.

The Spanish manager used to be a part of Pep Guardiola’s assistant team at one time, has learned a lot and look at him now. As of the 2024-2025 season, the Gunners secured the second position in the English Premier League, and things didn’t turn out well for them in the UEFA Champions League as they got knocked out by PSG in the knockout rounds. With few good signings in the summer transfer window, the manager will go all in to win the Premier League to end the long-standing trophy drought.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames MangedWin %Major Awards
ArsenalNone5554.55None
Mikel Arteta’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

2. Pep Guardiola (Age: 54 | Manchester City)

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola (Image Credit: X / @premierleague)

Spanish coach Pep Guardiola missed the top spot in our list of the best Spanish managers of all time. He has had major achievements in his career with every club, but also, his influence on modern football cannot be quantified. He built what was arguably the best Barcelona team of all time, winning a sextuple among numerous other trophies with the club. He then took over Bayern Munich and again saw great success before building the best Manchester City team of all time. He has led them to six Premier League titles, their maiden UEFA Champions League trophy, and numerous other honours.

Guardiola’s tiki-taka or possession-based style of play became synonymous with success, so much so that many managers tried to copy it. Hence, it’s clear that Pep Guardiola is the best Spanish manager of all time and is in the argument for being the best manager in the beautiful game’s history as well. This season, he did suffer a bit due to his key players being out injured, but still managed to finish third, which speaks to his experience and tactical brilliance.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
Manchester CityNone5651.79None
Pep Guardiola’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

1. Luis Enrique (Age: 55 | PSG)

Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique (Image Credit: X / @PSG_English)

Luis Enrique has been another one of the most influential Spanish managers in modern football. He has managed clubs like AS Roma, Barcelona, and PSG, and tasted great success with some of them. He won the coveted treble with Barcelona in 2015, among numerous other trophies. Enrique also had a stint with Spain’s national team, which wasn’t the most successful. However, he returned to club management with one of the most supported clubs in the world, PSG and helped them achieve domestic success as well.

But this season he has gone beyond just winning domestic titles and trophies, he has won PSG’s first ever European trophy (the UEFA Champions League), that too, in style, finishing 5-0 against Inter Milan in the final is not an easy task. Additionally, PSG were just one win away from winning the FIFA Club World Cup, but unfortunately, they had to settle for the silver medal.

Current TeamTrophies WonGames ManagedWin %Major Awards
PSGLigue 1, UCL,
Coupe de France. Trophees de France
5275Ligue 1 Manager of the Season for the 2024-2025 season
Luis Enrique’s 2024/25 Managerial Stats

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why are Spanish managers so good?
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A. A history of great footballing culture in Spain, immense success and dominance of clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, and tactical nous.
Q. Who is the manager to win the most La Liga titles?
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A. Miguel Munoz has won 9 La Liga titles, all with Real Madrid.
Q. Which is the most successful Spanish team?
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A. Real Madrid is the most successful Spanish team with 71 trophies.

Q. Who is the longest-serving Spanish manager in Football?

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A. Miguel Muñoz is the longest-serving Spanish manager who served from the year 1960 to 1974.

Q. Who's the most successful Spanish manager in the Premier League?
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A. Pep Guardiola is the most successful Spanish manager in the Premier League.

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Edited by- Rohan Singh
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