A great coach can have a profound impact on the outcome of a football match. Their leadership, vision, and ability to prepare a team for peak performance are essential factors in achieving success at the international level. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best coaches in the history of international football, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the sport.
1. Roberto Mancini | Italy (2018 – Present):
Roberto Mancini, a former footballer known for his prowess as a deep-lying forward, has been the national coach of Italy since 2018. Throughout his playing career, he garnered several accolades, including the Guerin d’Oro and Serie A Footballer of the Year.
Mancini’s coaching achievements include winning the UEFA European Championship with Italy in 2020, establishing him as one of the greatest international coaches in football history.
2. Joachim Löw | Germany (2006 – 2021):
Joachim Löw, a former player and a highly philosophical individual, served as the coach of the German national team from 2006 to 2021. Under his guidance, Germany won the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.
Löw’s ability to develop players and create exceptional teams solidifies his status as one of the most successful coaches in international football.
3. Roberto Martinez | Belgium (2016 – Present):
Roberto Martinez, a former footballer known for his defensive skills, has made a significant impact as a coach. After managing various clubs, he took charge of the Belgian national team in 2016.
Martinez led Belgium to a third-place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and achieved remarkable success during his tenure. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate players make him one of the best international football managers.
4. Valeri Karpin | Russia (2021 – Present):
Valeri Karpin, a former Russian football midfielder, has had an impressive managerial career. After retiring as a player, Karpin began his coaching journey and managed several clubs before taking charge of the Russian national team in 2021.
With notable achievements at Spartak Moscow, including winning the Russian Top Division title and the Russian Cup, Karpin’s leadership qualities and tactical prowess have solidified his place among the top international coaches.
5. Franco Foda | Austria (2018 – 2022):
Franco Foda, a former football defender, transitioned into coaching after his playing career. Foda managed various clubs before becoming the coach of the Austrian national team in 2018. His achievements include leading Austria to qualify for the UEFA European Championship and guiding them to notable victories.
Foda’s commitment to excellence and his ability to instill a winning mentality has earned him recognition as one of the best international football coaches.
6. Şenol Güneş | Turkey (2019 – 2021):
Şenol Güneş, a Turkish football manager and former goalkeeper, has left an indelible mark on the sport. After a successful playing career, Güneş transitioned into coaching, managing various clubs before taking charge of the Turkish national team in 2019.
He achieved remarkable success, leading Turkey to a FIFA World Cup semifinal finish in 2002. Güneş’s tactical acumen and ability to motivate players have established him as one of the finest international football coaches.
7. John Van’t Schip | Greece (2019 – 2021)
John Van’t Schip, a former Dutch-Canadian international footballer, embarked on his football journey as a skilled Winger back in 1972. He left an indelible mark on the sport while playing for prominent clubs like Ajax and Genoa, where he clinched an impressive four UEFA Cups. Furthermore, he secured two European Cups and Winners Cups during his successful career.
Having represented the Dutch national squad, Van’t Schip played a pivotal role in their triumph at the 1988 European Championships. After bidding farewell to his playing days in 1997, he transitioned into coaching, initially leading the Ajax Youth Academy.
For four consecutive years, he served as the head coach of the academy, nurturing and developing young talents. Subsequently, he took charge of Melbourne Heart from 2010 to 2012, followed by a brief tenure coaching Guadalajara Club. Under his guidance, the Melbourne City squad achieved victory in the FFA Cup in 2016.
Van’t Schip’s most recent coaching role was with Greece from 2019 to 2021, further solidifying his reputation as a respected and accomplished coach. It comes as no surprise that he holds the seventh position on our esteemed list of the best coaches in international football.
8. Luis Enrique | Spain (2019 – 2022)
Luis Enrique, a former Spanish footballer, concluded his illustrious career as the manager of the Spanish national football team. Renowned for his versatility as a midfielder, Luis Enrique Martinez Garcia possessed exceptional tactical acumen that often outpaced his opponents.
During his playing days, he received acclaim by winning the La Liga Breakthrough Player award in the 1990-91 football season. Additionally, he earned recognition as part of the 1996-97 ESM Team of the Year, which propelled him toward even greater success. However, the pinnacle of his achievements arrived when he was included in the prestigious FIFA 100 list.
9. Vladimir Petkovic | Switzerland (2014 – 2021)
Vladimir Petkovic, a Bosnian-Swiss former football player, recently concluded his tenure coaching the French side Bordeaux. Commencing his football journey at the tender age of eleven in Ilidza, he showcased his skills as a remarkable midfielder. Nevertheless, it is his time with the Swiss team that truly defines his legacy.
During his tenure with the Sarajevo team, Vladimir clinched the Yugoslav First League in the 1984-85 season, marking a significant triumph. Following his retirement as a professional football player, he embarked on a managerial career in 1997.
His first managerial stint was with Bellinzona, after which he successfully guided numerous prestigious football clubs across the globe. Notably, he led Malcantone Agno to victory in the 2002-03 football season, securing the league title. Lazio also triumphed in the Coppa Italia Cup in 2012 under his expert tutelage.
10. Arnar Vidarsson | Iceland (2020 – Present)
Arnar Vidarsson, an Icelandic football coach and former professional footballer, embarked on his footballing journey in 1996 as a midfielder for FH. Following a season with FH, he ventured to Belgium, joining the ranks of Lokeren Club, where he showcased his skills until 2006. Currently, he holds the managerial position for the Icelandic national team, a role he assumed in 2020.