Fabio Cannavaro appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national team

Apparently, this makes him the highest-paid national team coach in the world

2006 World Cup champion with Italy and Ballon d’Or winner, Fabio Cannavaro, has been appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team. According to early reports, the Italian would earn €4 million annually.

However, Ravshan Irmatov, First Vice-President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, denied these figures: «Cannavaro’s salary is not €4 million. Not even half of that. But this matter has been agreed not to be disclosed publicly». Analysts now speculate that the Italian coach’s pay could in fact top €10 million annually, making him a record earner among national team coaches.

As of October 2025, the highest-paid national team coaches are:

1. Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – €9.5 million per year
2. Thomas Tuchel (England) – €6.9 million per year
3. Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – €6 million per year
4. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – €6 million per year
5. Mauricio Pochettino (Paraguay) – €5.5 million per year

Cannavaro’s contract is set for three years, with an option to extend for additional two years. The 52-year-old Italian coach will lead the national team in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.