Check out the biggest manager payouts in football history – the costly managerial sackings that have hit clubs the hardest.
The cost of sacking a football manager can be staggering, with clubs forced to shell out millions to terminate contracts early.
Following the revelation that Manchester United’s dismissal of Erik ten Hag cost the club £14.5 million, the financial burden clubs face when making managerial changes is evident.
Here, we take a look at the ten most expensive managerial sackings in football history, featuring familiar names like Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and Thomas Tuchel.
Top 10 Most Expensive Managerial Sackings
| Rank | Manager | Year | Club | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antonio Conte | 2018 | Chelsea | £26.2m |
| 2 | Jose Mourinho | 2018 | Manchester United | £19.6m |
| 3 | Jose Mourinho | 2007 | Chelsea | £18m |
| 4 | Laurent Blanc | 2016 | PSG | £17m |
| 5 | Jose Mourinho | 2021 | Tottenham | £16m |
| 6 | Erik ten Hag | 2024 | Manchester United | £14.5m |
| 7 | Nuno Espírito Santo | 2021 | Tottenham | £14m |
| 8 | Luis Felipe Scolari | 2009 | Chelsea | £13.6m |
| 9 | Fabio Capello | 2015 | Russia | £13.4m |
| 10 | Thomas Tuchel | 2022 | Chelsea | £13m |
Biggest Manager Payouts
10. Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea) – £13 million
Current England manager Thomas Tuchel was dismissed from Chelsea in 2022 following tensions with the club’s new owners, leaving many fans scratching their heads.
His sacking cost Chelsea another £13m, adding to Todd Boehly’s ever-growing list of expenses.
9. Fabio Capello (Russia) – £13.4 million
Despite an illustrious career, Fabio Capello’s spell as Russia’s national team manager ended in disappointment.
Following a disastrous 2014 World Cup campaign, Capello was dismissed in 2015, pocketing £13.4 million in severance despite failing to elevate the team.
8. Luiz Felipe Scolari (Chelsea) – £13.6 million
The 2002 World Cup-winning coach lasted just eight months at Chelsea before being sacked in 2009.
The decision proved costly for the club, who forked out £13.6 million to sever ties with Scolari.
The Brazilian later admitted that financial incentives played a role in his decision to take the Chelsea job.
7. Nuno Espírito Santo (Tottenham) – £14 million
Nuno’s brief Tottenham tenure started brightly but quickly deteriorated, leading to his dismissal after just four months.
Spurs paid £14m to move on from their ill-fated appointment.
6. Erik ten Hag (Manchester United) – £14.5 million
Erik ten Hag’s reign at Manchester United came to an end in 2024, costing the club a substantial £14.5m payout.
Despite his efforts to rebuild the squad – and winning two trophies along the way – inconsistency and mounting pressure led to his dismissal, adding yet another costly managerial change to United’s history.
5. Jose Mourinho (Tottenham) – £16 million
Jose Mourinho’s stint at Tottenham ended abruptly just days before the 2021 EFL Cup final – a decision that cost Spurs £16m in severance.
Given his track record of winning silverware, sacking him so close to a cup final remains a puzzling move.
4. Laurent Blanc (PSG) – £17 million
Despite winning three consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG, Blanc was dismissed in 2016 due to the club’s Champions League failures.
PSG had to pay out £17m to relieve him of his duties and have had another five managers since – and are still searching for European success.
3. Jose Mourinho (Chelsea) – £18 million
Mourinho’s first stint at Chelsea ended in 2007 despite his immense success.
He left with six trophies in three seasons but also with an £18m compensation package after falling out with the club’s hierarchy.
2. Jose Mourinho (Manchester United) – £19.6 million
Manchester United appointed Mourinho in 2016 hoping for a return to the top, and while he delivered a Europa League title and a second-place league finish, his tenure ended in 2018 after a poor run of form.
His sacking set United back £19.6m.
1. Antonio Conte (Chelsea) – £26.2 million
Antonio Conte led Chelsea to a Premier League title in his first season, but after finishing fifth in his second year and clashing with the club’s board, he was dismissed in 2018.
The resulting payout of £26.2m remains the most expensive managerial sacking in football history.
