The Athletic network revealed the salary that Hervé Renard will receive after returning to coach the Saudi national team again, making him one of the highest-paid international coaches in football history.
How Much Does Renard Earn?
According to the report, Renard’s salary will be one of the largest in Asia and the Arab region, as he will receive 5 million euros annually with the Saudi national team, or 23.5 million Saudi riyals.
This salary puts Renard in the top tier of international football coaches worldwide, surpassing many managers of top European clubs. The deal reflects the Saudi Football Federation’s ambition and the level of investment being poured into the kingdom’s football infrastructure ahead of hosting the 2027 Asian Cup and potentially bidding for future FIFA events.
Why Did Saudi Arabia Bring Renard Back?
The Saudi Federation dismissed Italian coach Roberto Mancini due to poor results, and officially returned Renard to lead the “Green” last Saturday. Mancini’s tenure was marked by inconsistency and a disconnect with local football culture, prompting the federation to turn to a familiar face.
Renard had previously coached Saudi Arabia to their famous victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. That triumph cemented his reputation in the kingdom and made him the obvious choice when Mancini’s project failed.
Renard’s Track Record
The French coach has an impressive CV in international football. Before Saudi Arabia, he won the Africa Cup of Nations with both Zambia (2012) and Ivory Coast (2015) — the only coach to win the tournament with two different nations. He also coached Morocco at the 2018 World Cup.
However, his second stint has been rocky, with just 11 wins in 27 matches (41% win rate) and growing public frustration after results like the 4-0 loss to Egypt in March 2026.
How Does Renard’s Salary Compare?
At €5 million per year, Renard’s salary is competitive with top club managers in leagues like the Saudi Pro League. For comparison, many national team coaches earn between €1-3 million annually, making Renard’s deal approximately double the going rate for a top-tier international manager.
The salary also reflects the broader trend of Gulf states investing heavily in football talent at every level — from players in the Saudi Pro League to the coaching staff of the national team. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the pressure is on Renard to justify that investment with results on the pitch.
What’s at Stake for Saudi Football
Renard’s appointment is about far more than one coach’s salary. Saudi Arabia is in the middle of an unprecedented football transformation, with the Saudi Pro League attracting global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. The national team’s performance at the 2026 World Cup will be a referendum on whether that investment is translating into competitive results on the international stage.
If Renard delivers a strong World Cup campaign, his €5 million salary will be remembered as a bargain. If the Green Falcons struggle, it will become a symbol of misplaced priorities — and the calls for change will only grow louder.
