Simone Inzaghi’s Million-Euro Move: From Milan to Riyadh, Now the World’s True Top-Earner?
In early June 2025, the football world was shaken as Simone Inzaghi, who had just parted ways with Inter Milan after four successful seasons, signed a staggering contract with Saudi giants Al Hilal.
The reported annual salary? €26 million — making him the second highest-paid manager in the world, trailing only Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone, who earns €34 million per year.
But is Simeone really ahead? Look closer, and Inzaghi may already be number one.
The End of an Era at Inter
Simone Inzaghi took over Inter in 2021, and in just four seasons, he built a formidable legacy: six trophies, including the Serie A title in 2024, two Coppa Italia wins, and three Supercoppa Italiana triumphs.
However, the 2024/25 season ended in disappointment. Inter lost their grip on the Scudetto to Napoli and suffered a humiliating 0–5 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final.
Soon after, Inzaghi and the club announced a mutual decision to part ways — the end of a memorable Italian chapter.
Enter Al Hilal: A New Kingdom Awaits
On June 4, Al Hilal officially unveiled Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach. The two-year deal, with an option for extension until 2027, reportedly pays him €26 million annually — potentially rising to €30 million with bonuses.
He joins a squad loaded with talent, including Kalidou Koulibaly, João Cancelo, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Malcom, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Rúben Neves.
His debut is already scheduled: June 18, when Al Hilal face Real Madrid at the Club World Cup in Miami. A fiery baptism awaits.
Gross vs Net: Who Really Earns the Most?
While Diego Simeone may lead the charts on paper, the reality is more nuanced. In Spain, personal income is taxed at one of Europe’s highest rates — up to 47% for top earners. This means Simeone’s €34 million gross drops to an estimated €18 million net.
Meanwhile, Inzaghi’s move to Saudi Arabia puts him in a tax-free haven. With zero income tax, his €26 million salary lands fully in his pocket.
So if we’re talking about actual take-home pay, Inzaghi is now the highest-paid manager in football — not Simeone.
Football’s Highest-Paid Managers in 2025
According to multiple sources including Transfermarkt and Givemesport, here’s how the current managerial wage table stands:
- Diego Simeone (Atlético Madrid) – €34 million
- Simone Inzaghi (Al Hilal) – €26 million
- Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – €24.8 million
- Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) – €18.7 million
- Stefano Pioli (Al Nassr) – €15.5 million
- David Moyes (Everton) – €15 million
- Luis Enrique (PSG) – €11.5 million
- Matthias Jaissle (Al Ahli) – €11.5 million
- José Mourinho (Fenerbahçe) – €11 million
- Unai Emery (Aston Villa) – €10 million
Saudi Arabia's Football Revolution
Inzaghi’s move to Al Hilal is yet another statement in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing mission to dominate the global football scene.
Their clubs are aggressively attracting world-class talent — both players and managers — by offering lucrative contracts, world-class infrastructure, and unmatched financial incentives.
The strategy is working. The Saudi Pro League is no longer just a retirement league — it’s fast becoming one of football’s most intriguing destinations.
Final Thoughts
Simone Inzaghi now faces a bold new chapter. By every financial metric — especially net income — he stands at the top of world football’s managerial elite.
The challenge? To deliver trophies, forge chemistry among stars, and elevate Al Hilal to global prominence.
With his experience, tactical clarity, and appetite for silverware, Inzaghi might just be the perfect man to lead Saudi football’s next big leap.
And if the numbers are any indication, he’s already won the first battle — at the bank.
Published by Patrick Jane
05.06.2025