Spain extension set to lift Luis de la Fuente above Scaloni, though Ancelotti remains the clear pay leader

Luis de la Fuente is expected to extend his contract with the Spanish Football Federation following Spain‘s 2026 World Cup triumph. The revised agreement would put his annual salary above that of Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, although it would remain well below Carlo Ancelotti’s package with Brazil.

Speaking at the World Football Summit on Wednesday, September 16, RFEF president Rafael Louzan discussed several major issues, including preparations for the 2030 World Cup and Spain’s bid to host the tournament final. Securing de la Fuente’s long-term future remains a key priority for La Roja, with Louzan expressing confidence that an agreement will be completed.

In remarks reported by Diario AS, Louzan offered a strong endorsement of the coach: “His results and his work back him up… and the public loves and admires him. I offered to extend his contract because he wasn’t among the top 10 in financial terms. He will be. We are finalizing the agreement so that he stays a few more years. He has been here for 14 years, and I want him to be able to finish his career here. He will be here until 2030… or a bit longer.”

Alongside the salary increase, Louzan indicated that the federation hopes to retain de la Fuente beyond the 2030 World Cup cycle. Although no formal announcement has been made, the manager is scheduled to hold a press conference Friday to unveil Spain‘s squad for the upcoming international window, where an extension through 2032 is expected to be confirmed.

De la Fuente rises among the highest-paid national-team coaches

De la Fuente’s current contract was due to expire in 2028, but victories at Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup strengthened the case for a longer commitment. The improved agreement includes a substantial pay rise that places him among the best-compensated managers in international football.

According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, de la Fuente’s new gross annual salary will range from €4 million to €5 million ($4.5 million-$5.6 million). The report also says he negotiated pay increases for members of his backroom staff.

The proposed terms would place him ahead of Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to consecutive Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup. Scaloni’s post-World Cup contract reportedly pays about €2.6 million ($2.9 million) per year, meaning de la Fuente’s new deal would almost double his Argentine counterpart’s earnings.

Despite the significant increase, de la Fuente would remain well behind Ancelotti at the top of the international pay scale. The former Real Madrid coach reportedly earns €10 million ($11.2 million) annually from Brazil under a contract extended through 2030. His package includes performance bonuses, access to a private jet and luxury accommodation in Rio de Janeiro near CBF headquarters.

Five highest-paid international coaches

With de la Fuente’s proposed Spain contract included, the leading annual salaries among international head coaches are:

1. Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil: €10 million ($11.2 million)
2. Jurgen Klopp, Germany: €7 million ($7.8 million)
3. Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT: €6 million ($6.7 million)
4. Thomas Tuchel, England: €5.8 million ($6.5 million)
5. Luis de la Fuente, Spain: €4 million-€5 million ($4.5 million-$5.6 million)

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