Managers who already know the Premier League's tough competition tend to succeed here. Some top-tier clubs now trust young and untested managers who are still in their twenties. This article examines the youngest Premier League managers ever who led the league.
1. Ryan Mason – 29 years, 312 days
As first manager in Premier League history Ryan Mason broke the record for youngest person to lead a Premier League team at 29 years and 312 days. After José Mourinho left in April 2021 the Tottenham Hotspur board appointed the 29-year-old Ryan Mason as interim manager. Spurs placed their faith in Mason at 29 years and 312 days when he successfully managed them for the last six games on the way to four winning results. During his limited time in charge he became the first individual in Premier League history to hold this position. After being pushed into retirement due to injuries Mason quickly rose to leadership roles at young 29.
2. Fabian Hürzeler – 31 years, 110 days
In June 2024 Brighton Poached Fabian Hürzeler to be their Premier League's youngest permanent Manager at 31 years and 110 days old. St. Pauli secured their way back into the Bundesliga under Hürzeler's guidance in 2023 by leading their club out of lower divisions. The club hired Fabian Hürzeler to lead Brighton after firing Roberto De Zerbi. Hürzeler agreed to an employment deal lasting until June 2027. Through his proven skills at team planning and strategy he leads the new wave of progressive Prem League football coaches.
3. Chris Coleman – 32 years, 313 days
Fulham hired Chris Coleman as interim manager in April 2003 when bosses appointed Jean Tigana. Despite being 32 years and 313 days old Coleman managed to keep Fulham in the league during his five matches and secured three wins. Following his achievements he secured the manager position and became the newest manager in Premier League history at his young age. Under Coleman's defensive tactics and leadership Fulham played successfully in the division over many seasons
4. Attilio Lombardo – 32 years, 67 days
At 32 years and 67 days old Attilio Lombardo became the temporary manager and player for Crystal Palace in 1998. After four early losses and subsequent relegation from Premier League Attilio Lombardo showed Crystal Palace's dedication to testing young coaching talent. Lombardo joined Italian club Premier League history's top two managers with Gianluca Vialli.
5. Gianluca Vialli – 33 years, 227 days
After Ruud Gullit left in 1998 Chelsea hired Gianluca Vialli to both coach and play for the team at the age of 33 years 227 days. Under his leadership, Chelsea won five major titles including the League Cup and UEFA Cup before earning FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup victories. As head coach Vialli helped Chelsea earn its first Champions League spot and paved the way for future European achievements. The young manager Vialli demonstrated that Premier League management is suitable for his age.
6. André Villas-Boas – 33 years, 301 days
Before the season 2011/12 began André Villas-Boas became Chelsea's manager at 33 years and 301 days of age. After winning the Europa League at Porto Villas-Boas accepted the Chelsea manager role because of his proven strategic planning skills. The club fired him from his role as Chelsea manager during February 2012 because he failed to give them good results. The hiring of Villas-Boas brought fresh young soccer managers into Premier League ranks despite his brief stay at Chelsea.
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