Diego Simeone Net Worth

What Is Diego Simeone’s Net Worth?

Diego Simeone, the celebrated Argentine football manager and former player, boasts a substantial net worth of $140 million. This impressive figure reflects his successful career both on and off the field, from his early playing days to his current role as the head coach of Atlético Madrid. Nicknamed “El Cholo,” Simeone has not only made his mark as a tactically astute midfielder but also as a transformative manager, significantly contributing to his financial success.

Diego Simeone’s Salary Details

Simeone’s managerial prowess has translated into considerable earnings, positioning him as the highest-paid coach in the world of sports. Around 2019, he commanded a staggering $50 million per year in salary from Atlético Madrid. This figure surpassed even the compensation of elite managers in top leagues like the Premier League and Bundesliga, as well as coaches in the NFL and NBA.

In November 2023, Simeone extended his contract with Atlético Madrid for three years, committing to the club until 2027. While the exact details of the new agreement were not fully disclosed, reports indicated that Simeone accepted a 20% pay cut due to the club’s financial considerations. This adjustment reduced his annual gross salary from $50 million to approximately $33–35 million. Despite this reduction, he remains the highest-paid football manager globally.

Before the pay reduction, Simeone’s annual earnings were €34 million, a figure that dwarfed the salaries of other prominent managers. For instance, he earned nearly €10 million more than Pep Guardiola, who made $26.8 million per year, and double the salary of Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. Even after the pay cut, Simeone’s net earnings of around €16.5 million annually solidified his position as the best-paid manager in football.

To provide further context, consider the salaries of top coaches in other major sports leagues:

NBA: Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors, the highest-paid coach, earns $17.5 million per year, approximately half of Simeone’s salary.
NFL: Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs and Bill Belichick were among the highest-paid, earning $20–25 million per year, still significantly lower than Simeone’s compensation.
MLB: Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs, the best-paid baseball manager, earns $8 million per year, about four times less than Simeone.

Diego Simeone’s Early Career and Playing Achievements

Born on April 28, 1970, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Diego Simeone began his professional career at Vélez Sársfield in 1987. His dynamic playing style and leadership qualities quickly distinguished him. After spells at Pisa in Italy, Sevilla, and Atlético Madrid—where he won a historic league and cup double in 1996—Simeone achieved further success at Inter Milan and Lazio, accumulating more silverware in Italy. Details regarding precise contract amounts during his playing career are not publicly available, but his success on the field undoubtedly contributed to his increasing value and future earnings.

As an international player, Simeone earned 106 caps for Argentina, representing his country in three World Cups (1994, 1998, and 2002) and winning two Copa América titles (1991 and 1993). Specific bonus amounts and appearance fees are not disclosed, but these achievements would have added to his overall earnings during his playing career.

Simeone’s Managerial Career: The Atlético Madrid Revolution

Simeone’s return to Atlético Madrid as manager in December 2011 marked a turning point for the club. Initially struggling near the relegation zone, Atlético underwent a rapid transformation under his leadership. Within months, Simeone guided the team to win the Europa League title. By 2014, Atlético achieved the remarkable feat of winning La Liga, surpassing both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Furthermore, under Simeone, Atlético reached two Champions League finals (2014 and 2016), narrowly losing both to Real Madrid. They also secured a second La Liga title in 2021, again defying the financial superiority of Spain’s traditional powerhouses.

Beyond trophies, Simeone transformed Atlético’s identity and infrastructure. The move to the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in 2017 and consistent Champions League qualifications have elevated the club’s global profile and financial standing. His tenure represents the most successful period in the club’s history. The increased revenue from Champions League participation and expanded commercial opportunities have significantly enhanced the club’s financial capabilities, justifying Simeone’s substantial salary.

The Components of Diego Simeone’s Net Worth

While the exact breakdown of Diego Simeone’s net worth is not fully public, it can be inferred that the primary sources include:

Salary as Atlético Madrid Manager: His substantial annual salary, peaking at $50 million and currently around $33-35 million, forms a significant portion of his wealth.
Playing Career Earnings: Earnings from his playing career, including salaries, bonuses, and endorsements, would have contributed substantially to his early wealth accumulation.
Endorsement Deals: As a high-profile football figure, Simeone likely has endorsement deals with various brands. Specific details of these deals are not public but would add to his income.
Investments: Like many high-net-worth individuals, Simeone likely has investments in various assets, such as real estate, stocks, and other ventures. The details of these investments are private.

Diego Simeone’s Personal Life

Off the pitch, Simeone’s personal life has been as passionate and eventful as his football career. He has been married twice, first to Carolina Baldini, with whom he has three sons: Giovanni, Gianluca, and Giuliano. All three have followed in their father’s footsteps by pursuing careers in football, with Giovanni becoming the most prominent as an international striker for Argentina. After his divorce from Baldini in 2008, Simeone married Argentine model and TV presenter Carla Pereyra in 2019, and they have two daughters together, Francesca and Valentina.

Further specifics about his real estate holdings, personal investments, or luxury assets are not publicly documented. Simeone is known to value his privacy, keeping many aspects of his personal life out of the public eye.

In summary, Diego Simeone’s net worth of $140 million is a testament to his successful and enduring career in football, both as a player and, most notably, as one of the world’s highest-paid and most influential managers. His financial success mirrors his remarkable achievements and contributions to Atlético Madrid and the sport as a whole.