The 7 best sports directors in the world that no one knows about

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of football, a sporting director plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of a club.

While managers often grab the headlines with their tactical prowess, it is the sporting directors who are behind the scenes, orchestrating transfers, building long-term strategies, and securing the club’s future through effective player recruitment.

In the January transfer window, their role becomes even more critical, as they work to align the club’s vision with short-term needs.

Here, we take a closer look at the seven best sporting directors in world football right now. From players' recruitment strategies to the development of winning philosophies, these individuals have left an indelible mark on their clubs and the footballing world.

They are the masterminds driving the success stories, making pivotal decisions that go beyond the pitch.

Let’s dive into their impressive careers and understand why they are considered the best in the business.

Strategic planning often takes a back seat in the January transfer market, where the role of a sporting director becomes crucial in bridging the gap between the board and the manager.

In this list, Blair Newman highlights the top sporting best football directors in the world, who have made significant contributions to the success of their respective clubs.

Ralf Rangnick (RB Leipzig)Rangnick’s ascent in football management is impressive, having transitioned from a journeyman player to a respected coach and sporting director.

His time at Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig has seen him implement a strategic approach focused on high pressing, quick transitions, and developing young talent. Rangnick's signings, such as Sadio Mane, Joshua Kimmich, and Naby Keita, reflect his emphasis on players between the ages of 17 and 23, aligning with his long-term vision for success.

Marcel Brands (PSV Eindhoven)Marcel Brands has demonstrated success at every club he’s managed, particularly at PSV Eindhoven. Initially, his tenure was underwhelming, but after revamping the youth system and refining his transfer policy, he helped PSV secure the Eredivisie title in 2015 and again in 2016. His ability to reinvest the proceeds from key player sales has been vital in maintaining the club’s competitive edge.

Giuseppe Marotta (Juventus)Giuseppe Marotta stands out as one of the best sporting directors in Italian football. His strategic negotiations have helped Juventus dominate both domestically and in European competitions. Marotta’s notable signings include Andrea Pirlo, Sami Khedira, and Paul Pogba, all of whom were signed for low fees and turned out to be highly profitable.

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Monchi (Sevilla FC)Monchi’s tenure at Sevilla FC is marked by remarkable success, particularly in the Europa League, where the club has won the competition five times under his guidance. His focus on youth development, the academy, and scouting has helped Sevilla become a powerhouse in both player development and transfer sales, turning a significant profit while maintaining competitiveness at the top level.

Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)Txiki Begiristain brings invaluable experience from his playing days at Barcelona, having been part of Johan Cruyff’s legendary "Dream Team." His move to Manchester City as sporting director has helped shape the club’s philosophy, focusing on fluid, attack-minded football. Begiristain has played a pivotal role in the recruitment of both high-profile players and talented youngsters, although some of his signings have been less successful.

Les Reed (Southampton)Les Reed’s role as sporting director at Southampton has been key to the club’s sustained success despite player turnover. One of his greatest achievements is establishing a managerial succession plan, ensuring philosophical continuity across different coaching regimes. Reed’s innovative approach, including the creation of a ‘Black Box’ room to analyze academy players and potential signings, has set a model for smaller clubs.

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Michael Zorc (Borussia Dortmund)Michael Zorc is a legendary figure at Borussia Dortmund, having played a crucial role in the club’s resurgence after its financial struggles in the early 2000s. Zorc has focused on developing young talent, with notable signings such as Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan, and Robert Lewandowski, all of whom were brought to the club for relatively small fees and became world-class players.

These seven sporting directors have shaped their clubs into some of the most competitive teams in world football through innovative strategies, effective youth development, and shrewd transfer policies. Their influence on the game is undeniable, and they will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of their respective clubs.

In conclusion, the role of a sporting director is often undervalued, but these seven individuals have proven that their contributions are key to a club’s success.

From their keen eye for talent to their ability to implement strategic visions, they are the unsung heroes of modern football.

As clubs continue to evolve and compete on the global stage, the importance of these sporting directors will only grow, shaping the future of football with their decisions both on and off the pitch.

These are the leaders who ensure their clubs remain at the top, not just for today, but for many years to come.