An interesting evaluation has emerged amid the intense competition among managers mainly on the European stage. In a ranking that grouped together managers showing top-level current performances, both unexpected trends and symbolic results were revealed simultaneously.
Madfutbol, a football content media outlet, on the 17th (Korean time) selected 12 managers who have shown excellent results in the 2025-2026 season and released the ranking. As a result, the faces of the managers occupying the top ranks carried meanings beyond simple results.
The person who rose to the highest position was Vincent Kompany, the manager leading Bayern Munich. He is currently running away at the top with a record of 24 wins, 4 draws and 1 loss, 76 points, based on overwhelming performance in the Bundesliga this season. A particularly notable aspect is the scoring power. Although there are still fixtures left until the end of the season, he has already recorded 105 goals, showing the pinnacle of attacking football. He also proved competitiveness on the European stage by reaching the Champions League semifinals, overcoming Real Madrid.
In second place was Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris Saint-Germain. Having lifted six trophies last season and achieved peak results, he is maintaining a stable course this season as well. He has maintained competitiveness evenly in the league as well as cup competitions and European tournaments, mounting another challenge for the top. In the Champions League, he continued to make his presence felt by defeating Liverpool and reaching the semifinals.
Following them, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City formed the upper ranks. Christian Kibu of Inter Milan and Hansi Flick of Barcelona also made the list, confirming the influence of managers of Europe's big clubs.
A noteworthy point among these was the presence of a national team manager. Only one person was included in the ranking, and that person was Moriyasu, who leads the Japan national team. He was ranked eighth among the 12 in total. The result reflected the achievements and stable team-building sustained over recent years.
Under Moriyasu's management, Japan has transformed into a team with a distinct identity. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, they defeated Germany and Spain in succession, proving competitiveness even against strong teams. The upward trend continued thereafter. In 2023, they increased their team completeness by recording consecutive wins against Germany, Türkiye and Canada.
The figures of 30 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses and a 75% win rate recorded over the past three years prove consistency. Last year they beat Brazil, and this year they consecutively defeated Scotland and England, showing both organization and game-management ability. Thomas Tuchel, who leads England, also gave a high evaluation of Japan's performance and recognized their competitiveness.
The goal toward the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and Central America is also clear. Ahead of the England match, Moriyasu said, "We believe we have a chance to win the World Cup. We will challenge the World Cup as a dark horse. We have enough ability. The goal of this tournament is to win. I believe Japan can definitely do it." Japan is scheduled to compete in the group stage against the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
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