Many have elevated Real Madrid to the pinnacle of world football. From the older generation led by Miguel Muñoz, Vicente del Bosque, and Carlo Ancelotti to younger names like Zinédine Zidane, here is the Top 5 Managers in Real Madrid’s History.
It is no longer a surprise: Real Madrid stands atop the footballing world. Now managed by the influential Florentino Pérez, the Spanish capital’s iconic white-clad club continues to collect trophies and assert its dominance on the global stage. With 36 La Liga titles, 15 Champions League trophies, and dozens of other accolades, including the latest Club World Cup, Real owes its success to great players and remarkable managers. Speaking of tacticians, the Real Madrid editorial team has unveiled the Top 5 Managers in the club’s storied history.
5 – José Villalonga
Born in 1919, José Villalonga Llorente remains etched in history as the first coach to win the Champions League—then known as the “European Champion Clubs’ Cup”—with Real Madrid. The late Spanish coach achieved remarkable success between 1954 and 1957, recording 71 wins, 14 draws, and 25 defeats. Before moving to Atlético Madrid to continue his managerial career, Villalonga laid the foundation for the club’s European legend.
With six trophies to his name, including two La Liga titles (1955 and 1957) and two Champions League victories (including the club’s first-ever in 1956), Villalonga will forever be remembered as one of Real Madrid’s finest.
4 – Vicente del Bosque
A product of Real Madrid as a player (1970-1984, 339 appearances and 25 goals), Del Bosque won numerous trophies, including five La Liga titles, before becoming the club’s manager in 1994. After transitioning into coaching following his playing career, the former defensive midfielder began modestly with Castilla in 1987 before rising to manage the senior team. Following interim spells in 1994 and 1996, the former Spanish international took charge of Los Blancos between 1999 and 2003.
A proponent of attractive football, Del Bosque implemented a style centred on ball possession and solid defence. During his tenure, he amassed 127 wins, 56 draws, and 50 defeats, capturing seven trophies, including two Champions League and two La Liga titles. Among the many coaches who have managed the club, Del Bosque stands out as a giant of the game.
3 – Zinédine Zidane
A footballing legend, Zidane is regarded as one of the best managers after a few remarkable years at Real Madrid’s helm. A former Real player (2001-2006, 227 appearances and 49 goals), the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner began his managerial journey on 26 June 2013 as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant. After a year alongside his Italian mentor, the former France captain spent two seasons refining his craft with Castilla.
Appointed Real Madrid’s head coach in 2016, Zidane dazzled immediately. In just two seasons, he secured 104 wins, 29 draws, and 16 defeats. Charismatic and motivational, Zizou, as he is affectionately known, returned in 2019 after a one-year break to further cement his legacy. Before departing in 2021, he added 68 wins, 26 draws, and 20 defeats to his illustrious record.
What set Zidane apart were his three consecutive Champions League titles during his first three seasons—an unprecedented feat in football history. As Real’s manager, Zidane won 11 trophies, including two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. Still highly sought after, he has yet to take on a new challenge since 2021.
2 – Miguel Muñoz
After a decade as a Real Madrid player (1948-1958, 275 appearances and 24 goals), Miguel Muñoz became the club’s manager in 1960. The former right-half, akin to a modern-day inverted winger, quickly established himself as one of the greatest tacticians in the club’s history. Over 16 seasons, Muñoz secured 352 wins, 126 draws, and 118 defeats.
He lifted 14 La Liga titles and several Champions League trophies. Passing away in 1990, the Madrid-born coach left an indelible mark on the history of Real Madrid.
1 – Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti tops the list of Real Madrid’s greatest managers. At 65 years old, the Italian coach’s exceptional ability to manage players and rebound from setbacks has propelled the club to new heights. While many European powerhouses struggle to maintain consistency, Ancelotti excels. In his first spell (2013-2015, 89 wins, 14 draws, 16 defeats), the former Bayern Munich manager returned to Madrid in 2021 to further enhance his reputation.
In 185 matches (131 wins, 30 draws, 24 defeats), Carletto has achieved greatness. As of 17 December, he became the most decorated manager in Real Madrid’s history with 15 trophies, following his team’s Club World Cup final victory against Mexico’s Pachuca FC (3-0). Widely considered the best manager in the world, Ancelotti’s legacy at Los Blancos is firmly secured.
