Top 10 Best Young Football Managers in the World in 2025

List Of Top 10 Best Young Football Managers in the World in 2025:

Football management is changing remarkably in 2025 as a new breed of youthful, creative tacticians become more and more important. With their innovative ideas, tactical sense, and capacity to motivate their teams, these managers all under the age of 45 are rewriting the game. Based on their accomplishments, present performance, and ability to influence the direction of the game, the top 10 greatest young football managers in the world in 2025 are thoroughly examined here.

1. Xabi Alonso (Age: 43) - Bayer Leverkusen:

Rising as the top young manager in world football, Xabi Alonso has turned Bayer Leverkuschen into a powerhouse. Former midfield master for teams such Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, the Spaniard took over Leverkusen in October 2022 when they were just hanging on in the bottom of the Bundesliga. By 2025, Alonso has not only free Bayern Munich's 11-year stranglehold on the German title but also made Leverkusen a force to be reckoned with all throughout Europe.
Leading Leverkusen to an unheard-of Bundesliga victory, Alonso was undefeated domestically and guaranteed the DFB-Pokal in the 2023/24 season. Often using a fluid 3-4-3 style, his tactical genius has fully used players like Alejandro Grimaldo, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz. Leverkusen stays competitive in the 2024–25 season despite a Europa League final loss to Atalanta; they challenge Bayern once more in the Bundesliga and create waves in the Champions League. Despite interest from giants like Liverpool and Real Madrid, Alonso's choice to remain with Leverkusen highlights his dedication to leaving a legacy and so establishes his ranking as the top young manager in 2025.

2. Mikel Arteta (Age: 43) - Arsenal:

Mikel Arteta's path from Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City to Arsenal's transforming manager is evidence of his vision and endurance. Originally hired in December 2019, Arteta inherited an Arsenal team in shambles but by 2025 he has made them perennial Premier League contenders. The FA Cup was his first significant triumph in 2020, but his continuous development has helped him to gain recognition.
Arsenal by Arteta combines defensive stability with attacking flare in a possession-based, high-pressing style. Supported by stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal has stayed right in the middle of the Premier League contest in the 2024/25 season. Although they still have to grab the league title, Arteta's influence is shown by their constant challenge to Manchester City and a trip back to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2024. He is among the most brilliant managerial brains in the game nowadays since he can nurture youthful talent and apply a defined identity.

3. Julian Nagelsmann (Age: 37) - Germany National Team:

The meteoric climb of Julian Nagelsmann has made him a household figure in football management. Already managing Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich at just 37, he will take over the German national team in September 2023. Renowned for his exact counter-pressing and vertical possession, Nagelsmann has a natural ability to unite teams.
With an incredible 71.4% victory rate, his Bayern stay which was cut short in 2023 produced a Bundesliga title and two German Super Cups. Now with Germany, Nagelsmann has restored Die Mannschaft, bringing them to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and preparing the ground for a successful 2026 World Cup campaign. With rising stars like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz at under disposal, Nagelsmann's creative ideas and flexibility set him out as a future game giant.

4. Thiago Motta (Age: 42) - Juventus:

Especially after he took over Juventus in 2024, Thiago Motta's managerial career has been a revelation. Once teased for his "2-7-2" style, the Italian-Brazilian has shown his tactical ability with Bologna, where he guaranteed a Champions League spot in 2024. His transfer to Juventus signaled a rise, and he is doing great under duress.
Fluent formations, positional versatility, and a concentration on possession with intent define Motta's teams. At Juventus, he has revitalized a team in transition by combining veterans like Federico Chiesa with young players. Juventus is playing remarkably in Europe and fighting for the Serie A championship in the 2024/25 season. Among young managers, Motta is a rising star because of his adaptability and inspiration power.

5. Xavi Hernández (Age: 45) - Currently Unattached:

Though Xavi Hernández's managing path has been a rollercoaster, his credentials are unquestionable. Xavi went back to Barcelona in 2021 following a trophy-laden run with Al Sadd in Qatar, where he won seven titles in two and a half years. His time witnessed a La Liga title in 2022/23, therefore ending a four-year drought and bringing stars like Pedri and Gavi to the fore.
But he left Barcelona in 2024 after conflicting outcomes and a sour relationship with the board. Xavi is still in great demand nonetheless because of his dedication to possession-based football and his capacity to develop young athletes. He is a manager to keep an eye on in the next years; as of March 2025 he is unattached but connected with top employment.

6. Rúben Amorim (Age: 40) - Manchester United:

Although Rúben Amorim's November 2024 hiring at Manchester United was audacious, his potential is great even if his start has been erratic. Making his reputation with Sporting CP, the Portuguese manager won two Primeira Liga championships, three League Cups, and a Super Cup. Combining practicality with possession, his 3-4-3 style made Sporting a major player.
Amorim at United has the difficult chore of waking a failing behemoth. Early performance in the 2024/25 season has been erratic, but promise is shown from flashes of his ideology witnessed in games versus Liverpool and Arsenal. With time and assistance, Amorim's track record of success and tactical knowledge point to him perhaps rising on this list.

7. Domenico Tedesco (Age: 39) - Belgium National Team:

Though his career has been a mix of highs and criticism, Domenico Tedesco possesses undoubted skill. Tedesco arrived in Belgium in 2023 following periods at Schalke and RB Leipzig, where he won the DFB-Pokal in 2022. Early on in his career, he had an undefeated streak in friendlies; but, Euro 2024 let-down begged concerns.
Tedesco's strongest suit is his flexibility and capacity for under pressure management. He is charged with combining fresh potential ahead of the World Cup as Belgium's golden generation disappears. His international experience and tactical adaptability equip him to be a strong manager.

8. Roberto De Zerbi (Age: 45) - Olympique Marseille:

Roberto De Zerbi is a fan favorite since of his attacking, possession-based football style. He joined Marseille in 2024 following guiding Brighton to their first European qualifying in 2023. With his high-risk, high-reward approach, the French side has been rejuvenated and positioned as Ligue 1 contenders in 2025.
De Zerbi's coaching skills are shown by his ability to produce players like Evan Ferguson at Brighton and currently Mason Greenwood at Marseille. Although medals have been rare, his impact on contemporary football strategies guarantees he stays among the elite young managers.

9. Enzo Maresca (Age: 45) - Chelsea:

The speed with which Enzo Maresca rose is astounding. Following Leicester City to the Championship title in 2024, he took over Chelsea and has outperformed expectations in the 2024/25 season. Inspired by Pep Guardiola, Maresca's disciplined yet aggressive style has Chelsea ranking among the Premier League leaders.
His creative strategies including an emphasis on positional play have brought him honors, including a Premier League Manager of the Month trophy. Maresca's path points to him just about on the brink of genius.

10. Edin Terziç (Age: 42) - Currently Unattached:

Edin Terziç shown promise during his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, which helped the team to reach the 2023 DFB-Pokal and a Champions League final in 2024. Combining technical discipline with attacking flair, his 4-3-3 system restored Dortmund's aspirations. But in 2024 he resigned after failing to guarantee the Bundesliga.
Terziç is unattached but quite esteemed in 2025. He is a solid prospect for a high post shortly since he can inspire and run large teams.