In football, managers are often judged by their ability to deliver silverware. Some dominate domestic leagues, while others conquer the world on the biggest stages. The most successful managers are not just tacticians but serial winners who consistently build trophy-winning teams across different eras and countries. In this article, we look at the top 10 managers with the most trophies in football history, a list filled with legends and global icons of the sport.
10. Ottmar Hitzfeld – 26 Trophies
Ottmar Hitzfeld, a legend in German football, secured 26 major trophies during his long career. His work in Switzerland and Germany earned him a reputation as one of the top managers with the most trophies. Hitzfeld made history with Borussia Dortmund by winning the UEFA Champions League in 1997 and later added another with Bayern Munich in 2001. He also collected multiple Bundesliga titles and domestic cups before retiring in 2014 after coaching the Swiss national team.
9. Jock Stein – 26 Trophies
Jock Stein remains one of the most iconic figures in Scottish football. He led Celtic to 10 league titles, eight Scottish Cups, and six League Cups. Most notably, Stein guided Celtic to European glory in 1967, making them the first British team to win the European Cup. He is undoubtedly among the greatest managers with the most trophies, having transformed Celtic into a continental powerhouse and elevating Scottish football on the global stage.
8. Luiz Felipe Scolari – 26 Trophies
Known as “Big Phil”, Luiz Felipe Scolari built his reputation across continents. He led Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002 and won numerous domestic and continental honors with Gremio and Palmeiras. His international success with Brazil and his achievements in China and Uzbekistan place him among the elite managers with the most trophies. Scolari’s adaptability and leadership across vastly different footballing cultures remain a benchmark for future coaches.
7. Jose Mourinho – 26 Trophies
Jose Mourinho, often referred to as “The Special One,” has made his mark in nearly every major European league. From Champions League wins with Porto and Inter Milan to multiple league titles with Chelsea and Real Madrid, Mourinho has demonstrated his knack for delivering silverware wherever he goes. His recent UEFA Conference League title with Roma adds another chapter to his incredible journey as one of the managers with the most trophies in modern football.
6. Bill Struth – 30 Trophies
Bill Struth is a legendary name in the history of Scottish football and Rangers FC. Managing the club from 1920 to 1954, Struth claimed 30 trophies including 18 league titles and 10 Scottish Cups. His era of dominance helped establish Rangers as a footballing giant in the UK. Although not as globally recognized, Struth’s success ensures his inclusion among the managers with the most trophies in football history.
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5. Carlo Ancelotti – 30 Trophies
Carlo Ancelotti is the only manager to win league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues. The Italian has lifted the Champions League five times as a manager, making him the most successful in that competition’s history. From Milan to Madrid and Chelsea to Bayern, Ancelotti has remained a calm, tactical genius. His vast collection of honors makes him one of the most respected managers with the most trophies ever.
4. Valeriy Lobanovskyi – 30 Trophies
Valeriy Lobanovskyi was a pioneer of modern football tactics. Most of his success came with Dynamo Kyiv, where he implemented data-driven training methods far ahead of his time. He led the club to eight Soviet league titles and multiple European triumphs. His scientific approach revolutionized the game, and his success behind the Iron Curtain earns him a rightful place among the managers with the most trophies.
3. Mircea Lucescu – 38 Trophies
Romanian tactician Mircea Lucescu managed teams in Romania, Turkey, Italy, and Ukraine. His greatest success came with Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won eight league titles, six cups, and a UEFA Cup. His long and decorated career highlights his ability to build dominant teams and adapt across footballing cultures. As one of the managers with the most trophies, Lucescu remains a true giant of global football management.
2. Pep Guardiola – 39 Trophies
Pep Guardiola has redefined modern football with his tiki-taka philosophy and tactical brilliance. He started his managerial journey with Barcelona, where he won 14 trophies in four seasons, including two Champions League titles. At Bayern Munich, he dominated domestically but fell short in Europe. Since joining Manchester City, he has built an English dynasty, winning six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. With many years still ahead, Guardiola continues to climb the ranks of managers with the most trophies.
1. Sir Alex Ferguson – 49 Trophies
Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in football history with 49 major trophies. His dominance at Manchester United spanned over two decades, winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, and numerous other honors. Before his time in England, Ferguson had already achieved European success with Aberdeen. His unmatched consistency and longevity make him the undisputed king among managers with the most trophies.
| Rank | Manager | Trophies Won | Years Active | Major Clubs Managed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Alex Ferguson | 49 | 1974–2013 | Manchester United, Aberdeen |
| 2 | Pep Guardiola | 39 | 2007–present | Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Man City |
| 3 | Mircea Lucescu | 38 | 1979–2023 | Shakhtar Donetsk, Galatasaray, Dinamo |
| 4 | Valeriy Lobanovskyi | 30 | 1969–2001 | Dynamo Kyiv, Soviet Union |
| 5 | Carlo Ancelotti | 30 | 1995–present | Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG |
| 6 | Bill Struth | 30 | 1920–1954 | Rangers |
| 7 | Jose Mourinho | 26 | 2000–present | Porto, Chelsea, Inter, Real, Roma |
| 8 | Luiz Felipe Scolari | 26 | 1982–present | Brazil, Gremio, Palmeiras, Guangzhou |
| 9 | Jock Stein | 26 | 1960–1985 | Celtic, Scotland |
| 10 | Ottmar Hitzfeld | 26 | 1983–2014 | Dortmund, Bayern, Switzerland |
This list of managers with the most trophies showcases not only incredible success but also the evolution of football through different generations. Each of these men has left a lasting legacy, winning with style, substance, and unmatched resilience.