The Premier League, a global footballing juggernaut, is not only defined by its world-class players but also by the managers who orchestrate the action from the sidelines.
While tactical acumen and leadership are paramount in management, many of these coaches bring a wealth of experience from their own time on the pitch.
The playing careers of the top 10 2025-26 Premier League managers vary widely—from those who never played professionally to Champions League winners and international stars.
This article ranks top 10 current Premier League managers based on the impact of their playing careers, assessing factors like the level of competition, appearances, accolades, and their influence on the game as players.
From grassroots journeymen to trophy-laden elites, we explore how their time as players shaped their paths to the Premier League dugout.
4 Chelsea players who are eligible to play for the Black Stars
10. David Moyes (Everton)
David Moyes was a hard-hitting centre-back who began his career at Celtic, winning the Scottish league in 1982 with 24 appearances.
He moved to England in 1983, played for clubs like Bristol City and Preston, where he made 105 appearances for Dunfermline before ending his career. Moyes’ top-flight experience and a domestic title gave him a semi-solid playing resume, though his impact was not at the elite level.
9. Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
Oliver Glasner appreciation post 🤩👏 pic.twitter.com/8OSanINLMt
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 10, 2025
Oliver Glasner was a one-club man as a defender for SV Ried in Austria, making 572 appearances.
He helped Ried win promotion to the Austrian Bundesliga in 1995 and 2005 and secured two Austrian Cups (1998, 2011). A brain hemorrhage from a concussion forced his retirement, but his longevity and domestic success puts him in this list.
8. Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
He played a right-back, spent 14 years in the Spanish La Liga playing for Athletic Bilbao, making 508 appearances. He places fourth in the club’s all-time list of most capped players.
Iraola ended his career with a season at New York City FC, retiring in 2016. His long, high-level career boosts his ranking.
7. Keith Andrews (Brentford)
New Brentford manager Keith Andrews says he is “not fazed” by the “enormity” of his new job. pic.twitter.com/TaK5P5shhZ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2025
He was a midfielder who played across all four English professional leagues, totaling 205 Championship appearances and 85 Premier League games for clubs like Wolves, Blackburn, and West Brom.
He won the League Two Player of the Year award in 2008 with MK Dons and played at Euro 2012 with Ireland. Andrews’ top-flight and international experience elevate his impact.
6. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
The Spanish international was a central midfielder who came through Barcelona’s youth academy.
After spells at PSG, Rangers (where he won a Scottish title), and Real Sociedad, he shone at Everton (2005–2011) and Arsenal (2011–2016), winning two FA Cups.
Arteta’s 150+ Premier League appearances and consistent performances at top clubs mark him as a significant player.
5. Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
Nominated for the 2025 Men’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy
Enzo Maresca@ChelseaFC#ballondor pic.twitter.com/pPWTHzFIqW
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) August 7, 2025
The Italian had an impressive playing career as a midfielder. Enzo won the Serie A with Juventus in 2001-02 and excelled at Sevilla, securing two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup.
Maresca also played for Olympiacos, Malaga, Sampdoria, Palermo, and Hellas Verona, retiring in 2017. His trophy haul and top-tier experience are substantial.
4. Scott Parker (Burnley)
Scott Parker, Burnley’s manager, was a reliable midfielder who played for London clubs like Charlton, Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham, Fulham and Newcastle United.
With 18 England caps and 300+ Premier League appearances, Parker was a consistent performer, though his trophy cabinet is light, with no major honors.
His high-level longevity and international career place him high on this list.
3. Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest)
Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest’s manager, is the only goalkeeper on this list and one of the most decorated.
He won four Portuguese league titles with Porto, including their 2003-04 Champions League triumph (as an unused substitute) and the 2002-03 UEFA Cup.
Nuno also claimed the 2002 Spanish Cup with Deportivo La Coruna. His elite-level success gives him a strong ranking.
2. Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager, was a midfielder who enjoyed a successful career at Benfica, where he won six Portuguese league titles and six League Cups, plus one with Braga on loan.
Making over 100 appearances for both Benfica and Belenenses, Amorim also played in the Champions League and spent a year in Qatar before retiring. His extensive domestic success secures his high ranking.
1. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, tops this list as a defensive midfielder who was the linchpin of Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona “Dream Team.”
He won four consecutive La Liga titles, the 1992 European Cup, and other domestic honors, making 263 La Liga appearances.
Known as an extension of Cruyff’s philosophy, Guardiola’s later stints at Roma and other clubs added to his legacy. His elite-level impact and trophy haul make him the standout coach on his list.
ALL/JE
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