Top 10 Managers With The Most UCL Titles In History | 2023

Pep Guardiola (3)

Pep is widely acknowledged as one of the most respected football managers in history.

His reputation is built on his meticulous attention to every facet of the game and his unwavering commitment to attacking football.

The Spaniard’s track record in the UEFA Champions League is indeed remarkable, with three notable victories to his name: he guided Barcelona to triumph in 2009 and 2011 and later achieved a significant win with Manchester City in 2023.

In a recent highlight of his career, he secured the treble with Manchester City, achieving a significant milestone for the club. This has further elevated his standing among the best soccer managers in the world.

Guardiola’s teams are known for their captivating style of play, marked by their ability to control possession and set the rhythm of the game.

Zinedine Zidane (3)

Zidane guided Real Madrid through its most dominant era in the 21st century.

During his tenure as manager, the Frenchman achieved three titles with Los Blancos in just three years. Zidane’s first triumph came just four months after he took over from Rafael Benitez as the head of Real Madrid.

Under his leadership, the team secured victory over Atletico Madrid in the 2015-16 final, winning the Champions League title via a penalty shootout. The following season, Real Madrid impressively defeated Juventus 4-1 in the final, securing their 12th crown.

Zidane continued his winning streak by leading Real Madrid to a 3-1 triumph over Liverpool in the 2017-18 final.

This achievement made him the sole manager in history to win the competition three consecutive times, a feat that remains unmatched to this day.

He also holds the record of being the first and only French manager to have ever claimed victory in this prestigious competition.

Bob Paisley (3)

Paisley had a successive career with Liverpool that spanned nearly five decades, with roles as a player, manager, and administrator.

During his remarkable nine-year tenure as Liverpool’s manager from 1974 to 1983, Paisley won an impressive count of twenty trophies.

His achievements included three European Cups, six League Championships (including three consecutive titles in 1981, 1982, and 1983), three League Cups, six Charity Shields, one UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Notably.

Paisley holds the record of being the only British manager to have won the European Cup three times.

Today, Bob Paisley is rightfully recognized as one of the greatest soccer managers of all time, not just for the trophies won, but also for his understated and selfless leadership style that left a solid print on Liverpool Football Club and the sport as a whole.

Sir Alex Ferguson (2)

SAF, the former manager of Manchester United, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers in history.

His knack for shaping successful teams serves as proof of his managerial excellence.

Renowned for his strong character and his ability to motivate and manage players effectively, Ferguson instilled a winning mentality in his team, establishing them as a formidable presence in European football.

His career includes an impressive trophy collection, which famously features two Champions League titles.

In the 1998-99 season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United team beat Bayern Munich 2-1 to win his first title. His second title came in the 2007-08 season when Manchester United defeated Chelsea in a penalty shootout in the final in Moscow.

Ottmar Hitzfeld (2)

Ottmar Hitzfeld is a highly regarded football manager known for his success in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), having won the prestigious tournament twice during his managerial career.

Borussia Dortmund (1996-1997): Hitzfeld led Borussia Dortmund to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title during the 1996-1997 season. Under his guidance, Dortmund defeated Juventus in the final, securing a memorable 3-1 victory to claim the coveted trophy.

Bayern Munich (2000-2001): Hitzfeld’s second UCL title came when he was managing Bayern Munich during the 2000-2001 season.

The Bavarian emerged as champions after a hard-fought campaign, ultimately defeating Valencia in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final, securing their place as the best club in Europe that season.

Jupp Heynckes (2)

Jupp Heynckes, the seasoned football manager, has an impressive resume with two UCL titles to his name.

His first triumph came in 1998 when he was at the helm of Real Madrid. Under his guidance, the team won the prestigious trophy, solidifying his reputation as a skilled tactician and motivator.

However, it was in 2013 that Heynckes truly left his mark with the Bavarian. Leading Bayern Munich, he masterminded a remarkable UEFA Champions League campaign.

The Bavarian club played with cohesion and efficiency, culminating in a memorable victory in the final.

Heynckes’ success in two different countries with two powerhouse clubs, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, highlights his versatility and enduring impact on the sport.

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Vicente del Bosque (2)

Vicente del Bosque is also one of those silent but successful managers who won two UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles during his career. His two UCL titles came while he was in charge of Real Madrid

He led Real Madrid to their eighth UCL title during the 1999-2000 season.

Under his leadership, Real Madrid triumphed in the final, defeating Valencia 3-0 and showcasing their dominance in European club football.

Del Bosque’s second UCL title with Real Madrid came just two years later during the 2001-2002 season.

In a thrilling final, Real Madrid emerged victorious against Bayer Leverkusen, winning 2-1 with Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volleyed goal, securing their ninth UCL title and establishing Del Bosque as a successful manager in European football.

Jose Mourinho (2)

The Special One is a renowned manager who has won the Champions League twice during his career.

Mourinho’s first UCL title was achieved with FC Porto during the 2003-2004 season. Under his management, Porto surprised many by defeating AS Monaco 3-0 in the final, showing their tactical prowess and the emergence of Mourinho as a managerial talent.

His second UCL title came while he was managing Inter Milan during the 2009-2010 season.

He guided Inter to a historic treble, which included winning the UCL. In a memorable final, Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich 2-0, earning Mourinho recognition as one of the elite managers in European football.

Arrigo Sacchi (2)

The Italian manager is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in football. His high-intensity pressing and zonal marking system laid the foundation for future success in European football.

Sacchi’s first UCL title was achieved with AC Milan during the 1988-1989 season. Under his tactical guidance, AC Milan won the UCL by defeating Steaua Bucharest 4-0 in the final.

His second UCL title with AC Milan came in the following season, 1989-1990. He continued to implement his innovative defensive strategies and led Milan to another UCL triumph, defeating Benfica 1-0 in the final.

Other Notable Managers with Two UCL Titles

• Helenio Herrera
• Luis Carniglia
• Dettmar Cramer
• Brian Clough
• Ernst Happel
• Jose Villalonga
• Bella Guttmann
• Miguel Munoz
• Nereo Rocco
• Stefan Kovacs

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