Ranking the 10 Greatest Footballers Who Succeeded Both as Footballers and Managers

These special individuals lifted trophies as players and have also inspired new generations as managers. 

Trapattoni was a rock-solid defender for AC Milan in the 1960s, winning two Serie A titles and a European Cup in 1963.

However, Trapattoni’s real success came after retirement. He won league titles in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Portugal as a coach. He also won the European Cup with Juventus in 1985 and is one of the most decorated managers in football history.

Simeone was a hard-tackling midfielder who led by example. He won La Liga with Atletico Madrid in 1996 and also lifted the Copa America twice with Argentina.

As a manager, Simeone brought Atletico back to the top of Spanish football. He won two La Liga titles (2014, 2021), a Copa del Rey, and two Europa League trophies. His passion and defensive discipline have made Atleti a force in Europe once again.

Conte was a key part of Juventus’ midfield during the 1990s and early 2000s, winning five Serie A titles and the 1996 Champions League.

After early struggles, Conte became a winner in the dugout when he became a manager. He led Juventus to three straight league titles, revived Italy’s national team, and won the Premier League in his first season with Chelsea. He also won the Serie A titles with Inter Milan and Napoli.

As a player, Rijkaard was one of the most complete midfielders of his time. He won the European Cup twice with AC Milan and was part of the Netherlands team that won Euro 1988.

As a manager, Rijkaard’s calm approach helped Barcelona rise again. Under his leadership, Barca won La Liga twice and lifted the Champions League in 2006, their second ever. He also helped launch the careers of Ronaldinho, Xavi, and a young Lionel Messi.

As a player, Ancelotti was part of the great AC Milan side of the late 80s, winning Serie A and two European Cups. He was a clever, creative midfielder; he played under Arrigo Sacchi.

As a manager, his calmness and tactical flexibility have made him one of the greatest coaches ever. Ancelotti has won league titles in five different countries and is the only manager to win the Champions League four times (twice with Milan and twice with Real Madrid). His transition from player to manager was seamless.

As a player, Deschamps captained France to World Cup glory in 1998 and also won the Champions League with Marseille and Juventus. He was a leader on and off the pitch, known for his discipline and intelligence.

When he became a manager, Deschamps made history again in 2018 by winning the World Cup as a coach, joining an elite group to do so. He also led France to the Euro 2016 final and has consistently kept them competitive at major tournaments.

As a player, Cruyff was a genius with the ball. He won three Ballon d’Or awards and led Ajax to three consecutive European Cups in the early 1970s. He also dazzled at the 1974 World Cup with the Netherlands, showcasing “Total Football” to the world.

As a manager, Cruyff’s coaching legacy is just as huge. He transformed Barcelona, introducing the style that laid the foundation for their future dominance. He won four La Liga titles and the club’s first-ever European Cup in 1992. His ideas inspired Pep Guardiola and modern football as a whole.

As a player, Zidane was one of the most elegant and technically gifted players ever. He won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France and the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002. His calmness, vision, and flair made him a global superstar.

As a manager, Zidane returned to Real Madrid as manager and made history, winning three straight Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018). 

No manager had ever done that in the modern era. His cool presence and man-management skills earned him instant respect from a dressing room full of stars.

As a player, Guardiola was the midfield general in Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona “Dream Team”. He won six La Liga titles and the 1992 European Cup. He was known for his intelligence, passing, and reading of the game.

As a manager, Pep has redefined football, and his Barcelona side of 2008-2012 is considered one of the best ever. 

He has also won league titles with Bayern Munich and Manchester City, including a historic treble with City in 2023, with his tactical mind, attention to detail, and focus on possession-based football having changed the game.

As a player, he was the ultimate leader, and Beckenbauer invented the role of the modern sweeper, guiding West Germany to the 1974 World Cup and Bayern Munich to three straight European Cups (1974-1976). He was nicknamed “The Kaiser” for his revolutionary calmness and vision from the back.

As a manager, Beckenbauer then guided West Germany to another World Cup title in 1990, becoming only the second person to win it as both player and coach. His legacy as a player-manager is unmatched, making him the greatest to ever do both at the highest level.