Football keeps evolving, and looking at the leadership of the world's top clubs is key to understanding its direction. In a poll involving people working within the football industry, ESPN compiled a list of the 30 best managers and executives in European football.

The podium brought some surprises: Luis Enrique, current European champion with PSG, and Arne Slot, Premier League champion with Liverpool, both ranked above Pep Guardiola of Manchester City -- who had a poor season but is still considered by many as one of the greatest managers in history.

The evaluations were conducted after ESPN prepared a shortlist, taking into account six factors:

The list excludes managers who have been out of work for more than a year, such as Zinedine Zidane and Xavi, as well as national team coaches.