Top 10 Best Sporting Directors in the World 2025

In the fast-paced world of professional sports, sporting directors play a pivotal role in shaping their teams’ future success.

From scouting and recruiting talent to managing finances and team strategy, their influence can make or break a club’s aspirations.

Here’s a look at the top 10 best sporting directors in the world for 2025, all of whom have made significant contributions to their respective teams and the broader sports industry.

1. Luís Campos

Luís Campos stands out as one of the most innovative and insightful sporting directors in football. Known for his exceptional talent scouting and strategic team building, Campos has had a major impact at clubs like AS Monaco, Lille OSC, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Currently serving as Football Advisor for PSG, his ability to identify and nurture talent has made him a key figure in modern football management.

2. Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s Director of Football, has played an instrumental role in transforming the club into one of the world’s top footballing powers. With a deep understanding of the game and a sharp eye for emerging talent, Begiristain’s influence has been central to City’s dominance in both the Premier League and European football.

3. Andrea Berta

Andrea Berta is widely regarded as one of the most influential sporting directors in the football world. His exceptional work behind the scenes at Atlético Madrid has been crucial to the club’s sustained success in La Liga and their strong performances in the UEFA Champions League. Berta's strategic moves and shrewd signings have cemented Atlético as one of Europe's elite teams.

4. Christoph Freund

Known for his stellar work at FC Red Bull Salzburg, Christoph Freund has earned a reputation for excellent talent identification and player development. Despite operating in a smaller league, Freund’s ability to assemble competitive teams capable of excelling in European competitions has made him a standout figure in European football.

5. Ralf Rangnick

Ralf Rangnick, known as the “Professor” of football, is a highly respected manager and sporting director. His tactical vision and innovative approach to high-pressing football have influenced the game significantly, particularly in Germany. Rangnick’s contributions as a coach and executive have been pivotal in shaping the future of football, both domestically and internationally.

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6. Phil Giles (Brentford)

Phil Giles has been a key figure in Brentford FC’s remarkable rise to Premier League status. As Co-Director of Football, Giles has played a significant role in the club's success through its innovative use of data analysis, recruitment, and overall management strategy. His approach has been instrumental in transforming Brentford into a competitive force in English football.

7. Monchi (Aston Villa)

Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo, known as Monchi, is celebrated for his remarkable track record as a sporting director. With experience at clubs like Sevilla, Monchi is widely regarded for his ability to unearth hidden gems and make strategic signings. His arrival at Aston Villa has raised expectations for the club’s future success, particularly in the Premier League.

8. Michael Zorc

Michael Zorc is a legendary figure in German football, having spent the majority of his career at Borussia Dortmund. As a sporting director, Zorc has been instrumental in Dortmund’s consistent success, guiding the club through smart acquisitions and long-term strategic planning. His reputation as a driving force behind Dortmund's rise in European football is unmatched.

9. Dan Ashworth (Newcastle United)

Dan Ashworth is a well-respected figure in English football, known for his strategic brilliance and success across both domestic and international stages. As Sporting Director of Newcastle United, Ashworth plays a crucial role in guiding the club’s footballing strategy and overseeing its development into a Premier League powerhouse.

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10. Richard Garlick (Arsenal)

Richard Garlick, Arsenal’s Director of Football Operations, has become a vital figure at the club. He oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth cooperation between various departments, while supporting the management team’s broader football strategy. Garlick’s expertise and leadership are central to Arsenal’s ongoing efforts to remain competitive in both domestic and European football.

These top 10 sporting directors in 2025 have proven their ability to make strategic decisions that elevate their clubs, and their influence extends far beyond their respective teams. Their work continues to shape the future of football and sports management globally.

Conclusion

The role of a sporting director has become increasingly crucial in the modern football landscape, with these top 10 individuals demonstrating exceptional skill in managing not only player acquisitions but also the broader strategic direction of their clubs. From scouting emerging talent to navigating financial constraints, their work has had a profound impact on the success of their teams and the global footballing ecosystem. As we move into 2025, these sporting directors will continue to be at the forefront of shaping the future of football, both in their clubs and across the sport as a whole. Their influence will remain pivotal in determining the trajectory of some of the world’s top teams, making them essential figures in the pursuit of both domestic and international glory.