Mauricio Pochettino is the new manager of the United States national men’s team to lead them through the 2026 World Cup, and that, as expected, will come with a significant salary. To secure Potettino’s signature, one thing had to be done: compensate the Argentinian appropriately, and although Pochettino earned around $13 million annually at Chelsea, he won’t earn nearly that much.
According to ESPN, Pochettino’s salary will be around $6 million annually to coach the USMNT, more than double that of former coach Gregg Berhalter. US Soccer had to get creative and the release on Pochettino’s appointment notes that Pochettino’s appointment was supported by donations from Kenneth C. Griffin and Scott Goodwin along with other commercial partners.
Griffin founded Citadel, a multinational hedge fund, and Griffin Catalyst, which is based on philanthropic efforts and community impact. Goodwin is the co-founder and managing partner of Diameter, which is also a hedge fund. Griffin has given a lot to US Soccer in the past various initiatives was also involved in the Ricketts family’s bid for Chelsea, which ultimately fell through when Todd Boehley and Clearlake Capital bought the club.
Pochettino’s current salary with US Soccer not only makes him the highest paid soccer coach in America, but is also competitive with current salaries in the Premier League. While not as high as Pep Guardiola’s salary, it would still be a top 10 salary in England, showing that US Soccer wasn’t afraid to spend money to get their man. There is also a buyout in the contract, but the competitive salary was important to reduce the risk of a European side poaching Pochettino.
