Success in the world of soccer is often measured by the number of trophies a coach has won throughout their career.
Their legacies extend beyond the mere accumulation of silverware, for these coaches have shaped the very fabric of the game.
Their ability to inspire, motivate, and transform players into champions sets them apart as true icons of soccer.
With each trophy won, they have etched their names in the history books and created a lasting legacy that will forever inspire generations of aspiring coaches and players.
Today I will be taking a closer look at the top 10 soccer coaches with the most trophies in history, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the beautiful game.
- Sir Alex Ferguson – 49 Trophies (Scottish)
- Mircea Lucescu – 36 Trophies (Romanian)
- Pep Guardiola – 34 Trophies (Spanish)
- Valeriy Lobanovskyi – 33 Trophies (Ukrainian)
- Luis Felipe Scolari — 27 Trophies (Brazilian)
- Jock Stein — 26 Trophies (Scottish)
- Jose Mourinho — 26 Trophies (Portuguese)
- Ottmar Hitzfeld — 25 Trophies (German)
- Giovanni Trapattoni — 23 Trophies (Italian)
- Arsene Wenger — 21 Trophies (French)
Sir Alex Ferguson – 49 Trophies (Scottish)
During his remarkable 26-year tenure at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson led the Red Devils to unparalleled success, securing an incredible total of 37 trophies.
His ability to rebuild and evolve teams over the years was nothing short of remarkable, making him the most successful coach in the history of British football.
Ferguson’s journey to greatness began in Scotland, where he managed Aberdeen FC.
He successfully broke the duopoly of Celtic FC and Glasgow Rangers FC, leading Aberdeen to multiple Scottish League and Cup titles, including the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983.
However, it was Ferguson’s tenure at Manchester United that truly cemented his legacy.
Over the course of his illustrious career at Old Trafford, he guided the club to an astonishing 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and 2 UEFA Champions League titles.
This success established Manchester United as a dominant force in English football and Ferguson as one of the greatest coaches to have ever graced the game.
From the attacking prowess of the “Class of ’92” to the robustness of his later squads, Ferguson constantly adapted his approach to meet the challenges of the ever-changing football landscape.
Mircea Lucescu – 36 Trophies (Romanian)
Mircea Lucescu, a highly respected Romanian coach, with his successful managerial stints at various clubs.
Notably, his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, his exceptional tactical acumen, and his ability to nurture young talent resulted in numerous domestic titles and a UEFA Cup triumph in 2009.
Lucescu’s coaching career has taken him to several countries, including Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, and Italy, where he has consistently achieved success.
Throughout his impressive 41-year career and counting, the 76-year-old coach has amassed an astounding total of 36 trophies.
Currently, at the helm of Dynamo Kyiv, one of Ukraine’s top club sides, Lucescu’s hunger for success remains undiminished.
With his wealth of experience and proven track record, it would not be surprising to see him add more trophies to his remarkable haul in the future.
Lucescu’s success at Shakhtar Donetsk was particularly noteworthy. During his tenure, he led the club to an impressive eight league titles, six Ukrainian Cups, and a historic UEFA Cup victory in 2009.
Pep Guardiola – 34 Trophies (Spanish)
Pep Guardiola, a manager I would say he’s one of the finest coaches of modern soccer.
Having transitioned seamlessly from a former Spanish and Barcelona FC midfielder to a highly regarded manager, Guardiola’s coaching career has been nothing short of remarkable.
He has garnered an impressive total of 34 titles, having had the privilege of coaching some of the world’s best teams, such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich FC, and Manchester City FC.
Undoubtedly, Pep is one of the most successful managers in modern soccer, not sure anyone can debate this.
Guardiola’s trophy cabinet is a testament to his exceptional coaching prowess and ability to create winning teams. From domestic leagues and cups to prestigious Champions League trophies and World Club Cup successes, his array of accolades is nothing short of intimidating.
In the ongoing 2022/23 season, Pep has already added more silverware to his collection.
He clinched the 2022/23 Premier League title pinching off Arsenal and the FA Cup, displaying his remarkable ability to guide his team to success in multiple competitions.
Come June 10, he is set to compete in the UEFA Champions League final, with the potential to secure his second-ever treble, further solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished managers of his era.
As Pep Guardiola’s coaching journey continues, there is no doubt that he will continue to strive for greatness and add more trophies to his already impressive haul.
His unwavering dedication to the game, relentless pursuit of excellence, and ability to inspire his players make him a true maestro of soccer management.
Valeriy Lobanovskyi – 33 Trophies (Ukrainian)
Throughout his coaching career, Lobanovskyi managed a total of seven teams, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine, and the Soviet Union.
However, it was his time at Dynamo Kyiv that truly defined his legacy.
Under his guidance, Dynamo Kyiv became the first team from the Soviet Union to win a major European trophy when they triumphed over Hungarian side Ferencváros in the final of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1975.
This historic achievement proved Lobanovskyi’s tactical acumen and ability to mold a successful team.
The impact of Lobanovskyi’s coaching methods extended beyond his immediate successes. His attention to physical conditioning and the development of players’ technical skills set new standards for the sport.
His revolutionary approach influenced subsequent generations of coaches, leaving a lasting legacy on the game.
Lobanovskyi’s remarkable managerial career saw him win a total of 33 official trophies, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated managers of all time.
His trophy haul, combined with his innovative coaching methods, underscores his immense contribution to the beautiful game.
Luis Felipe Scolari — 27 Trophies (Brazilian)
Popularly known as “Felipão,” is a Brazilian coach with an illustrious collection of trophies.
Scolari’s trophy cabinet boasts an impressive tally of over 26 major titles as a coach.
The peak of his success came with the Brazilian national team, as he guided them to victory in the 2002 World Cup, etching his name in soccer history.
This triumph proved his exceptional managerial skills and his ability to lead a team to ultimate glory on the grandest stage.
With a career spanning continents, the 73-year-old tactician has enjoyed a remarkable journey, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he has managed.
Throughout his career, Scolari has held coaching positions in various countries, including South America, Europe, and the Middle East.
His expertise and tactical acumen have been sought after by clubs and national teams alike, reflecting his reputation as a highly accomplished and respected coach.
Beyond his World Cup triumph, Scolari’s success extends to the domestic arena, where he has secured several league titles and lifted the coveted Copa Libertadores trophy, the premier club competition in South American soccer.
These achievements underscore his ability to excel in different contexts and his adaptability.
Jock Stein — 26 Trophies (Scottish)
A legendary Scottish coach, experienced immense success during his tenure at Celtic FC.
Although Jock Stein had an impressive playing career as a phenomenal center-half for Celtic, it is his managerial legacy with the club that remains truly memorable.
Stein embarked on his managerial journey in 1960, starting with Dunfermline before eventually making his mark at Celtic.
Stein holds the record of being the first manager of a British side to claim the coveted European Cup, achieving this historic feat with Celtic.
This monumental victory not only brought glory to the club but also elevated Scottish football on the European stage.
Under Stein’s guidance, Celtic dominated Scottish football, winning nine consecutive Scottish League championships from 1966 to 1974.
This unparalleled reign of success proved Stein’s exceptional managerial acumen and his ability to assemble winning teams.
Celtic also secured the Scottish League Cup for six consecutive seasons, further solidifying their dominance under Stein’s leadership.
Beyond his achievements at Celtic, Jock Stein also had success on the international stage. He managed the Scotland national team from 1978 to 1985, leading them to the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain.
Jose Mourinho — 26 Trophies (Portuguese)
The Special One.
Renowned for his charismatic personality and tactical prowess, etched his name in the annals of history with his successes at top clubs across Europe.
His managerial career boasts league titles in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain, along with other domestic cups and prestigious UEFA Champions League triumphs with Porto and Inter Milan.
Mourinho’s expertise in building solid defensive units and his uncanny ability to consistently win trophies has solidified his status as one of the most successful coaches of his generation.
Throughout his journey, Mourinho has amassed an impressive total of 26 trophies, excluding those won during his tenure as an assistant coach at Barcelona and FC Porto.
Currently serving as the head coach of AS Roma, Mourinho has wasted no time in leaving his mark on the club.
In the 2022 season, he guided the Giallorossi to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League, securing his first title with the team.
This achievement is particularly huge as Mourinho became the first coach to complete the UEFA treble, having won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League, and the newly introduced Europa Conference League, which replaced the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
Mourinho’s managerial style revolves around meticulous planning, tactical flexibility, and a strong emphasis on defensive organization.
He has a knack for creating resilient and disciplined teams that excel in high-pressure situations.
Ottmar Hitzfeld — 25 Trophies (German)
His tactical acumen, coupled with his ability to instill discipline and organization within his squads, played a major role in his success.
The 72-year-old former Switzerland manager is widely regarded as one of Germany’s finest coaches, earning the nickname “der general” due to his commanding presence on the touchline.
Throughout his 31-year coaching career, Hitzfeld amassed an impressive collection of 25 titles, majorly with German sides Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
His trophy cabinet consists of domestic league championships, domestic cups, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League title.
Hitzfeld also has a World Club Cup title, further solidifying his status as a coach who excelled on both the national and international stages.
His ability to extract the best performances from his players, coupled with his emphasis on defensive organization, resulted in cohesive and disciplined teams that consistently achieved success.
While Hitzfeld’s coaching career ended in 2014 with his retirement, his contributions to German football remain ever-present.
Giovanni Trapattoni — 23 Trophies (Italian)
Trapattoni’s career has seen him achieve success both at the club and international level, with an impressive collection of league titles in Italy, Germany, Portugal, and Austria.
Throughout his managerial journey, Trapattoni proved his coaching prowess at renowned clubs including Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, as well as clubs in Germany, Austria, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland national team.
His ability to create disciplined and well-structured teams became his hallmark, as he consistently brought out the best in his players.
Trapattoni’s trophy cabinet tells the tale of a decorated career, featuring an impressive haul of seven Serie A titles in Italy, two Bundesliga titles in Germany, and one Portuguese Primeira Liga title.
Beyond the domestic leagues, Trapattoni’s European success with Juventus in 1985, where he guided the club to UEFA Champions League glory, stands as a remarkable achievement.
This triumph further solidified his reputation as a coach capable of achieving success on the grandest stage.
Arsene Wenger — 21 Trophies (French)
The esteemed French tactician transformed the Gunners into a formidable force, winning three Premier League titles, including the historic unbeaten “Invincibles” season in 2003-2004.
Wenger’s managerial journey started in his native France, where he honed his craft at Nancy and AS Monaco, securing the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France along the way.
Proving his adaptability and thirst for new challenges, Wenger also achieved success abroad, winning two titles with Nagoya Grampus in Japan.
In 1996, Wenger embarked on his 22-year tenure as Arsenal’s manager.
This period witnessed a golden era for the club, as Wenger’s astute leadership propelled Arsenal to new heights.
Under his guidance, the Gunners won three Premier League titles.
Wenger also guided Arsenal to seven FA Cup victories and seven Community Shields, further cementing their status as a dominant force in domestic competitions.
Wenger’s ability to cultivate a distinct style of play, characterized by fluid attacking football and an emphasis on nurturing young talent, earned him admiration and respect.
His unwavering commitment to nurturing a soccer philosophy brought unprecedented success to Arsenal, capturing the hearts of fans and inspiring a new generation of players.
Although a UEFA Champions League title eluded Wenger during his time at Arsenal, he helped the team to the final in 2006, where they valiantly battled against a formidable Barcelona side.
Despite falling short in that particular final, Wenger’s influence and impact on the club’s European journey were undeniable.
Honorable Mention: Ernst Happel — 20 Trophies
Although just outside the top 10, Ernst Happel deserves recognition for his achievements.
The Austrian coach achieved considerable success at both the club and international level. Happel led Feyenoord to their only European Cup triumph in 1970 and won league titles in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria.
He also guided the Dutch national team to the World Cup final in 1978. Happel’s tactical versatility and ability to mold successful sections made him a true coaching legend.
FAQs
Which manager has won the most trophies?
Alex Ferguson
49 trophies were won. The greatest manager ever. Ferguson’s best spell came at Man United, where he led them to 37 trophies.
How many Champions League titles has Sir Alex Ferguson won?
Two Champions League titles
How many trophies has Sir Alex Ferguson won for Manchester United?
38
Ferguson won 38 trophies in his time at United include two European Cups, 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, the European Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup
Final Whistle
These soccer managers or coaches have left a huge footprint on the game, captivating fans with their tactical genius, leadership prowess, and unwavering dedication.
Their trophy-laden careers serve as a testament to their ability to transform ordinary teams into champions, shaping soccer through their remarkable achievements.
Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of coaches and players, reminding us that with determination, strategic acumen, and a passion for the game, greatness can be achieved.