Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team, is reportedly earning a significantly higher salary than previously known, drawing attention.
Global salary analysis firm SalaryLeaks recently released its estimated salary rankings for coaches of the 48 countries participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hong's salary is estimated at 2.16 million euros (approximately 3.8 billion won), placing him 16th on the list. This figure is nearly double the previously reported salary of around 2 billion won.
If this figure is accurate, Hong would be the highest-paid coach in the history of the South Korean national football team. His predecessor, Jurgen Klinsmann, earned about 2.2 million dollars (approximately 3.4 billion won).
The salary estimates are based on publicly available contracts, data from various football associations, and credible media reports. However, the figures do not include performance bonuses, qualification rewards, tournament participation fees, or other contractual incentives.
Among Asian countries, Qatar's Julen Lopetegui leads with a salary of 2.4 million euros (approximately 4.2 billion won), while Japan's Hajime Moriyasu, who has secured a spot in the Round of 32, ranks 29th with a salary of 821,000 euros (approximately 1.4 billion won).
The highest-paid coach overall is Carlo Ancelotti of Brazil, who reportedly earns 9.5 million euros (approximately 16.7 billion won).
Conversely, the lowest-paid coach is Dick Advocaat, who led South Korea during the 2006 World Cup, with an estimated salary of 96,000 euros (approximately 170 million won).
With the release of these salary estimates, Hong is likely to face criticism.
When appointed as head coach in 2024, Hong stated during a National Assembly Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee inquiry, "The hardest time in my 40-year football career was after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I thought the sense of responsibility and mission I had ten years ago would not return, but after our meeting, I decided to serve one last time." He also faced backlash for saying, "Where is the service for a salary of 2 billion won?"
Additionally, following a 1-0 loss to South Africa in the final group match of the 2026 North American World Cup on June 25, the South Korean team's chances of advancing to the Round of 32 have significantly diminished, likely intensifying the controversy surrounding Hong's salary.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.