Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is one of the most renowned figures in football. Since taking over the Spanish capital club in 2011, the Argentine tactician has orchestrated a massive turnaround in the team's fortunes.

After Atlético Madrid secured promotion back to La Liga in 2002-03 following two seasons in the Segunda División, the team experienced a period of mediocrity. Throughout the first decade post-promotion, they consistently placed in the middle of the La Liga table, never finishing above fourth place.

Simeone took over as manager in the middle of the 2011-12 season, and his impact was immediately felt. That same year, he guided the team to victory in the UEFA Europa League.

Under Simeone's leadership, Atlético Madrid achieved unprecedented glory, including two La Liga titles in 2013-14 and 2020-21, a Copa del Rey victory in 2012-13, a Supercopa de España triumph in 2014, another UEFA Europa League title in 2017-18, and UEFA Super Cup victories in 2012 and 2018.

Since Simeone's first entire season at the Spanish capital in 2012-13, Atletico has never finished below third in La Liga, transforming them into perennial Spanish title contenders each season.

The team successfully disrupted the usual narrative of a two-horse title race between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, turning it into a three-way competition. Additionally, the team reached two UEFA Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016, losing both matches to cross-town rivals Real Madrid.

Having guided the club to unparalleled success in its history, Atletico Madrid has turned Diego Simeone into the world's highest-paid manager, recognizing and rewarding him for his role in elevating the club's status.

Diego Simeone Salary

Simeone is the highest-paid manager in the world, with an annual compensation of about $37 million, beating out several well-known names in the sport.

For comparison, Pep Guardiola, the manager of treble-winners Manchester City, is the second-highest-paid football tactician, with a salary of $24 million per season. Following Guardiola, Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp is the third highest-paid manager, earning around $20 million for his role with the Reds.

Steven Gerrard receives $19 million for his managerial role at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, while Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri rounds out the top five with a salary of $14 million.

Simeone has also been the highest-paid member of the club since 2018, surpassing forward Antoine Griezmann.

Diego Simeone Contract

The 53-year-old coach recently inked a contract extension earlier this month, extending his tenure as the Atletico Madrid coach until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. Upon the end of the deal, the Argentine coach will have overseen the team for nearly 16 years.

Simeone will reportedly take a pay cut ranging from 20 to 30 percent, reducing his annual salary to about $26 million at most. The figure will still be good enough for him to keep the top spot on the list of the world's highest-paid managers unless Guardiola receives a pay hike.