Several top-level football strikers have successfully transitioned into managerial roles, bringing their wealth of attacking knowledge and experience to the touchline.
Many of these great players, who had exceptional careers as strikers and left their marks on their respective leagues with countless goals, have gone on to become influential coaches at the highest level of the game.
While this statement holds true for all of the above personalities, here’s a detailed look at managers who once played as strikers.
1. Johan Cruyff – (Netherlands)
Johan Cruyff, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, seamlessly transitioned into coaching after his playing career, leaving an indelible mark on the game with his approach and style of play.
He brought the same innovative mindset that is globally embraced today, with his possession-based, pressing and attacking football.
Cruyff’s coaching legacy wasn’t just about trophies as a coach, it was the way he reshaped football tactics leaving a lasting influence on both Dutch football and the global game that will be felt for generations.
2. Roberto Mancini (Italy)
Roberto Mancini, while best known for his managerial career, was also a prolific goal-poacher during his playing days, particularly in Serie A with great teams like Bologna, Sampdoria, Lazio, and the Italian national team.
As a coach, he has achieved phenomenal success both domestically and internationally, leading Italy to victory at the 2020 UEFA European Championships.
Mancini’s coaching journey took him around the globe, managing top clubs in England, Turkey, and Russia before taking over as the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team, where he continues to employ his strategic approach to create fluid, attacking football.
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3. Simone Inzaghi – (Italy)
Simone Inzaghi, known as “Il Demone di Piacenza” (The Piacenza Demon), earned this nickname for his ability to find unexpected tactical solutions and his dynamic coaching communication style.
While not as famous as his brother Filippo, who conquered Europe and Serie A with Juventus and AC Milan, Simone achieved success in Serie C2, winning consecutive titles in 1996 and 1997.
His managerial journey began with Lazio in 2016, where he enjoyed great success, leading to his current role at Inter Milan, where he continues to perform admirably.
4. Marco van Basten – (Netherlands)
Marco van Basten is a football icon widely regarded as one of the finest players of his generation.
Known for his technical brilliance and clinical finishing, he played at Ajax and later at Italian giants, AC Milan where he achieved huge success.
After retiring, van Basten transitioned into management, coaching the Dutch national team, Heerenveen, and Ajax, focusing on attacking football with his tactical insight and playing experience which shaped his approach in football management.
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5. Ruud van Nistelrooy – (Netherlands)
Ruud van Nistelrooy, another legendary Dutch footballer, was renowned for his goal-scoring prowess.
After retiring, he began his managerial career with the youth team at PSV Eindhoven, and later promoted to the head coach position with the team.
Van Nistelrooy’s coaching journey has also included stints as an assistant coach at Manchester United and as head coach of Leicester City, where he continues to shape his managerial reputation.
6. Thierry Henry – (France)
Thierry Henry, one of the greatest players to ever grace football, made an indelible mark both with the French national team and top clubs in Europe.
His coaching journey began with Monaco, and later served as an assistant coach with the Belgian national team and recently a managerial role with the French Olympic team.
Henry’s deep understanding of attacking football, developed through his years of making defenders struggle with his trickery and pace has helped him become a rising coaching star, destined for success.
7. Hernan Crespo – (Argentina)
Hernán Crespo, a legendary Argentine forward, was known for his clinical finishing and poaching ability.
After playing for some of the world’s top clubs, Crespo transitioned into management, where his journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
Crespo’s coaching style reflects his deep understanding of the game, achieving success with Al-Ain when he led them to an Asian Champions League title after defeating Yokohama F. Marinos in the final.
Crespo is still in the early stages of his managerial career, but his future looks promising.
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8. Ole Gunnar Solskjær – (Norway)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s managerial journey has been filled with ups and downs, shaping him into a leader on the touchline.
He began his coaching career with Molde FK in 2011 after retiring from playing, quickly making a name for himself by winning three consecutive Eliteserien titles.
His success in Norway led to managerial stints at Cardiff City in 2014 and Manchester United in 2018, before recently moving to Besiktas.
9. Raffaele Palladino – (Italy)
Raffaele Palladino, Fiorentina’s current coach, made his name as an exciting young manager with a bold, attacking style of play.
After retiring as a player, Palladino began his coaching career with Monza’s youth team, but his breakthrough came in 2022 when he was appointed head coach of the senior team after the sacking of Giovanni Stroppa.
Palladino’s transition from striker to manager has been fruitful, and he’s currently impressing with Fiorentina in Serie A.
10. Henrik Larsson – (Sweden)
Henrik Larsson, one of Sweden’s most iconic footballers, enjoyed a prolific career at the club level and transitioned into management after retiring.
Though his managerial career has been quieter compared to his playing days, Larsson’s coaching journey has steadily gained momentum.
With his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the game, Larsson has the potential to achieve significant success as a manager in the years to come.
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