Football owes much to its managers and their tactics, which have shaped the sport over time. From legends like Sir Alex Ferguson to modern stars like Pep Guardiola, these figures have transformed the game and achieved significant success.
Here’s a look at the top ten managers with the most trophies in their careers.
10. Giovanni Trapattoni – 23 titles
Giovanni Trapattoni, one of the rare coaches to have managed all three of Italy’s top football clubs, secured 23 trophies throughout his career. Most of these victories were with Juventus, where he had two separate stints as manager. At Juventus, he captured nearly every major title, missing only the Supercoppa Italiana. His impressive list of achievements includes six Serie A championships, the European Cup, the UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
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9. Jose Mourinho – 25 titles
As a top manager, Jose Mourinho has won numerous trophies during his time with clubs such as Porto, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. So far, he has secured 25 titles and may continue to increase this count, potentially climbing higher in the rankings. He is now in charge of AS Roma, which is proving to be his most challenging job yet in his quest for more silverware.
8. Ottmar Hitzfeld – 25 titles
Ottmar Hitzfeld began his managerial career in Switzerland, but he achieved his greatest success in the German Bundesliga. He managed Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, leading both teams to a total of seven Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League victories each. In total, Hitzfeld won 25 trophies throughout his career.
7. Carlo Ancelotti – 28 trophies
Carlo Ancelotti is the only manager to have claimed league titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues. The Italian has also secured 5 Champions League trophies, 4 UEFA Super Cups, 1 English Super Cup, 2 German Super Cups, 2 Club World Cups, and various other honors. In the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final, Real Madrid defeated Dortmund 2-0, adding Ancelotti’s 28th trophy to his impressive collection.
6. Luiz Felipe Scolari – 26 titles
Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is currently in charge of Cruzeiro Football Club, is renowned as one of the world’s most accomplished football managers. His notable successes include managing Palmeiras, Grêmio, and the Brazil national team. At 70 years old, Scolari has claimed 26 trophies, including a FIFA World Cup with Brazil.
5. Jock Stein – 26 titles
Jock Stein is a true icon in Scottish football. Over his 13-year career, he achieved remarkable success, winning all 26 of his titles with Celtic. Stein also managed other teams, including Leeds United and the Scotland national team. He passed away in 1985, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
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4. Valeriy Lobanovskyi – 29 titles
Valeriy Lobanovskyi, from Ukraine, secured 29 titles throughout his managerial career. Renowned for pioneering the ‘False 9’ role and the concept of ‘Total Football,’ Lobanovskyi’s achievements include two UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups and a UEFA Super Cup. His entire career was spent managing Dynamo Kyiv, where he led the team to 13 domestic league titles.
3. Mircea Lucescu – 32 titles
Mircea Lucescu secures the second position, having claimed 32 titles throughout his distinguished career. The Romanian currently manages Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine. Notably, he led Galatasaray to victory in the UEFA Super Cup in 2000, defeating Real Madrid. His managerial experience also includes stints with Shakhtar Donetsk, Besiktas, Zenit St. Petersburg, and others.
2. Pep Guardiola – 40 titles
Pep Guardiola has amassed 40 trophies throughout his coaching career. He has secured titles at every club he’s managed, including FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. With many years still ahead in his relatively young managerial journey, Pep is poised to climb the ranks and may eventually challenge Sir Alex Ferguson’s top record.
Recently, Pep achieved his second treble as a manager, this time with Manchester City, becoming the first manager ever to win two trebles. He also won the Community Shield in 2024 with Manchester City, bringing his total title count to 40.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson – 48 titles
The manager with the most trophies is the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. His achievements with Manchester United set the standard for managers worldwide. Ferguson spent 27 years at the club, amassing 37 titles, including 13 Premier League championships and two UEFA Champions League wins.
Before his success with Manchester United, the 79-year-old also guided Aberdeen to ten titles in five years in the Scottish league. His total of 48 titles may remain unmatched unless Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho have similarly long and successful careers.
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