A new generation

Truly talented young football coaches are a rare breed nowadays. Most of the time, it’s the seasoned veterans running the show. But sporadically, someone fresh steps in, bringing bold ideas and a new perspective. Many of these coaches were players not long ago, and now they’re making the big decisions from the sidelines.

12. Matthias Jaissle (36)

The former Hoffenheim defender stepped into the managerial world following his early retirement in 2014. Jaissle experienced recurring injuries, including meniscus and Achilles tendon problems, forcing him to step aside. The former German player transition directly into coaching, starting off with the RB Leipzig youth team in 2014/15.

11. Will Still (32)

Will Still is another great young managerial talent that has picked up considerable media attention due to his age. Unlike most young managers involved with the game today, Still was never involved in professional football as a player, as he began his coaching career at just 17, reports The Independent.

Lens

Still joined Lens ahead of the 2024/25 season, following his stint at Stade Reims. The English-Belgian manager has struggled to regain form in Ligue 1, sitting currently 9th on the league table.

10. Domenico Tedesco (39)

Much like the previous examples, the Italian coach never enjoyed a very fruitful career as a player and chose to enter management in 2006. Tedesco coached various European teams such as FC Schalke 04, Spartak Moscow, RB Leipzig and even the Belgian national team.

Looking for new challenges

Tedesco was sacked from the Belgium national team in January 2025, ending his first international managerial stint. According to ESPN, after a series of disappointing results, which included a poor 2024 Euros, Tedesco was swapped for Rudi Garcia.

9. Francesco Farioli (36)

The former Ajax coach was an absolute sensation during the 2024 season, even coming close to his first ever Eredivisie title. The young Italian coach started off his journey as a goalkeeper coach for lower-league Italian clubs back in 2010. Ten years later, he launched his managerial career in Turkey with Karagümrük, marking the start of a fast-rising path in European football.

Heartbreak finish

In 2023, he took charge at OGC Nice, where he had a solid season before making a major move to Ajax in 2024. Despite the heartbreak finish to the season, which saw Ajax loose the league title by one point to rivals PSV, Farioli has established himself as one of the brightest coaching talents in European football. What team will he pick up next?

8. Fabian Hürzeler (32)

Fabian Hürzeler is another young coach who is breaking ground in European football. The German-American coach formed himself in Germany's youth squads, slowly making a leap into the big league. In 2022, Hürzeler took a major first step in his managerial career after he became St. Pauli's head coach.

Brighton & Hove Albion

In the 2023/24 season, Hürzeler led St. Pauli to the top of Bundesliga 2, earning a promotion to Germany’s top tier. His success caught the attention of Brighton & Hove Albion, who brought him to the Premier League in 2024. Now, he finds himself holding steady in the middle of the table with the Seagulls.

7. Thiago Motta (42)

Thiago Motta hung up his boots in 2018 after six and a half years with PSG, quickly stepping into the world of coaching with the club’s U19 squad. His first crack as a head coach came in 2019 with Genoa, though it didn’t go too well. After stints with Spezia in 2021 and Bologna in 2022, Motta’s coaching career took a major leap in 2024 when he was appointed head coach of Juventus.

Short lived

The 'Old Lady' stumbled through the tail end of the 2024/25 season, prompting the club to sack Motta. According to ESPN, the decision came down to a combination of early exits from cup tournaments, questionable player decisions, and an underwhelming finish in the league.

6. Sebastian Hoeneß (43)

The former Hertha BSC II midfielder retired in 2010 with future aspirations in coaching. Hoeneß returned a year later to the sidelines as the head coach for Zehlendorf U19, proving to be a very prominent managerial talent.

5. Andoni Iraola (42)

Former Athletic Bilbao defender Andoni Iraola hung up his boots in 2017, but it didn’t take long for him to step back into the game — this time on the sidelines. Just a year later, he began his managerial journey with AEK Larnaca.

From Vallecas to Bournemouth

In 2020, Iraola took on the tough task of managing Rayo Vallecano and quickly made his mark, transforming them into a solid mid-table side. His impressive work caught attention beyond Spain, leading to his move to Bournemouth in 2023, where he took on a new challenge in the Premier League.

4. Vincent Kompany (39)

Many consider the former Belgian defender to be a Manchester City legend following his 11-year stint at the English club. After his 2020 retirement, he took little time off before returning as a manager that same year for his home club RSC Anderlecht.

German champion

Strong performances earned Kompany a move to Burnley in 2022, and just two years later, he took the reins at Bayern Munich in 2024. In a major highlight of his managerial career, he led the German giants to the 2025 Bundesliga title—adding a huge accomplishment to his growing trophy cabinet.

3. Julian Nagelsmann (37)

Another former defender turned manager is Julian Nagelsmann. Once a centre back for FC Augsburg's youth team, he was forced to retire at the age of 20 due to chronic injuries. Nagelsmann entered the managerial world at an early age, picking up his first head coaching role in 2011, with Hoffenheim's U17.

Leading the national team

Nagelsmann took charge of Hoffenheim’s first team in 2016, quickly making a name for himself in top-flight football. His coaching journey continued with RB Leipzig in 2019, and then Bayern Munich in 2021, where he won the Bundesliga in his debut season. Now, he’s at the helm of the German national team, leading an ambitious new project as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup.

2. Mikel Arteta (43)

Formed out of 'La Masia' (FC Barcelona's youth program), Arteta went on to be a great football player with great success across Europe. He played for big names like: Barcelona, PSG, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and finally Arsenal.

A close finish

He began his coaching career alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City as his assistant coach. Since December 2019, the Spanish manager has enjoyed success with Arsenal, winning a 2020 FA Cup. Most recently, he took Arsenal to a Champions League semifinal.

1. Xabi Alonso (43)

Xabi Alonso has garnered himself quite a following after his, 2023/24 Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen. The former midfielder has quickly earned himself a reputable name amongst the many managers across Europe. During his time as a player he enjoyed great football at Liverpool, Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.