Gareth Southgate’s salary has become a hot topic among football fans and sports journalists alike. As England’s most successful manager in a generation, Southgate’s earnings reflect both the privilege and pressure of leading the national team. With his recent departure from the role, interest in his remuneration and the wider implications for future England managers has never been greater.
The Evolution of Southgate’s Salary
When Southgate took the helm in 2016, the England national team needed both stability and a change of approach. Appointed on a permanent basis after a turbulent period, Southgate’s early contract reflected his relative inexperience at international level. Nonetheless, his subsequent results shifted expectations—and his earning potential.
After leading England to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Football Association (FA) rewarded Southgate with a new contract. This extension, signed in 2021, reportedly raised his annual salary to between £5 million and £6 million per year, positioning him as one of the highest-paid managers in international football. For context, his predecessors Fabio Capello and Sven-Göran Eriksson enjoyed similarly lofty salaries, with Capello earning up to £6 million annually during his tenure.
How Southgate’s Pay Compared to Others
In football, salary comparisons are inevitable. Southgate’s reported £5 million annual wage lagged slightly behind the biggest names in club management. Managers like Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique commanded higher figures, coming in at around £6.8 million and £7.5 million respectively. Yet, at the international level, Southgate’s pay packet placed him firmly at the summit for a UEFA-based manager.
Notably, only a handful of national team bosses earned more. Roberto Mancini, after taking the helm in Saudi Arabia, reportedly earned over £21 million per year, thanks to the huge financial resources offered by the Saudi Football Federation. Within Europe, however, Southgate’s earnings frequently topped the charts. At UEFA Euro 2024, he was the highest-paid manager at the tournament, outpacing Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann (£6.2 million) and Spain’s Luis de la Fuente (£1.3 million).
Contract Extensions and Expectations
Southgate’s pay increases always came in the wake of improved performances. After reaching the Euro 2020 final, he secured a contract extension that kept him in the job until December 2024. This extension again saw his salary rise towards the upper end of the international management spectrum. The FA viewed the investment as justified, considering Southgate transformed England from perennial underachievers to genuine contenders on the global stage.
The pressure that accompanies such a lucrative contract cannot be overstated. Southgate’s earnings brought with them scrutiny from supporters and the media, many of whom felt England’s star-studded squad should have delivered more silverware. Still, the FA remained committed to Southgate through setbacks, repeatedly highlighting his positive influence on both results and the culture around the national team.
Net Worth and Wider Earnings
The England manager’s salary was just one component of Southgate’s total wealth. Beyond his lucrative FA contract, Southgate’s net worth saw significant growth during his eight-year stint at the top. By 2020, estimates placed his net worth at around £9 million, with more recent projections situating him closer to USD 11.7 million (£9.2 million) by the end of his tenure. This figure includes additional income from endorsements, business ventures, book deals, and media appearances.
Southgate’s personal approach to wealth is notably understated. Throughout his career, he has avoided the flamboyant displays often associated with wealthy football figures. Instead, he has consistently emphasised family and a grounded lifestyle, residing in North Yorkshire and maintaining a close-knit private life.
Media Spotlight and Public Debate
Southgate’s salary has been the subject of lively debate among fans and pundits. Whenever the national team faced disappointment—such as the quarter-final exit at Qatar 2022 or the agonising final loss at Euro 2024—discussion about his pay followed close behind.
High-profile earnings have always divided opinion, particularly in public roles that carry such symbolic weight. Supporters argue that Southgate’s remuneration reflected both his results and the prestige of the position. Critics, meanwhile, pointed to England’s failure to secure major trophies, suggesting the FA’s investment should have translated into more tangible success.
Southgate’s Legacy and the Future
As Southgate stepped down after Euro 2024, conversations naturally turned to the future England boss. Some reports suggest the FA may look abroad to fill the vacancy, with high-profile names briefly linked to the role. Whoever succeeds Southgate can expect both a significant paycheck and the kind of scrutiny that comes with managing one of the world’s most followed football teams.
The likely base salary for the new manager is expected to be within the £5 million to £6 million range—the benchmark Southgate set over his eight years at the helm. This figure reflects both the increased expectations around the England team and the global market for top managerial talent.
Why Managers Earn So Much
International football management brings unique demands. The England manager operates not only as a tactical leader but also as a national figurehead and cultural ambassador. The role requires balancing media pressure, player egos, and the hopes of millions. Compensation reflects these challenges, and the global football market has driven up salaries as federations compete for the best talent.
In Southgate’s case, the consistent progress of the team in major tournaments brought added commercial opportunities to the FA, strengthening the case for such high pay. Success at Euro 2020 and the World Cups generated interest, sponsorships, and broadcast deals, benefits that extended well beyond the pitch.
Conclusion:
Gareth Southgate’s salary as England men’s manager offers a revealing look at both the pressures and rewards of leading the Three Lions. From a modest start to one of the sport’s highest earners, Southgate’s journey epitomised football’s ability to combine sporting achievement with substantial financial reward. As the FA searches for his successor, the spotlight on the manager’s salary promises to remain as fierce as ever, reflecting the national importance placed on the role and the ongoing debate about value for money in sport.