Diego Simeone’s outrageous salary: This is how much money the highest paid soccer manager makes per year

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Diego Simeone’s outrageous salary: This is how much money the highest paid soccer manager makes per year

Longevity isn’t a word you would usually associate with the cut-throat world of football managers – unless you are Diego Simeone.

Simeone is the longest-serving coach in Atlético Madrid’s 122-year history and the second longest-serving, currently active in Europe’s major leagues.

He took over as Atleti coach in December 2011, as Gregorio Manzano’s successor, and has been there ever since. He is so deeply entrenched in the post, it’s hard to envisage anyone ever replacing him.

Initially agreeing a two-year deal, Simeone’s impact was felt almost immediately, within just a few months he delivered the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. Atlético handed him a four-year extension and upped his salary to $5.9 million.

🚨🔴⚪️ Official: Diego Simeone signs new long term deal at Atlético Madrid, valid until June 2027.

The agreement has been sealed today with el Cholo, new salary terms agreed.

From 2011… to 2027. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/u69npiXN58

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 9, 2023

Simeone’s payday

The next contract extension came in September 2017, adding two years onto his existing deal and quadrupling his salary to make him the best-paid coach in LaLiga and one of the top earners in Europe. Simeone signed similar extensions in 2019 and 2021, negotiating salary increases on both occasions.

At his peak, El Cholo was earning around $36.5 million per year before tax (around $18 million net). But he agreed to take a pay cut in his last extension, signed in November 2023, in favor of a longer contract. Simeone will stay on under June 30, 2027 and receives an annual pay packet of around $27.7 million which works out at $14 million net. He is also entitled to a bonus of almost $3 million is Atleti win LaLiga or the Champions League.

The Rojiblancos have never won the Champions League despite having reached three finals. This season’s tournament is probably Simeone’s best chance of getting his hands on that $3 million bonus payment. Atleti go into tonight’s quarter final return leg with a 2-0 advantage over Barcelona and would face either Arsenal or Sporting Clube if they make it to the semis.

In his 789 games in charge, Simeone has racked up 466 victories – a win rate of just over 59%. His silverware includes two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, one Spanish Supercup, two Europa Leagues and two UEFA Super Cups.