5 current players who could become world-class managers

#3. Joshua Kimmich - Bayern Munich

FC Bayern Muenchen v Borussia Moenchengladbach - Bundesliga

Joshua Kimmich is one of the most intelligent players in world football right now.

Still only 26, Kimmich signed for Bayern Munich in 2015 from RB Leipzig. He has enjoyed immense success in the six years since, winning the Bundesliga six times as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2020.

Blessed with an outstanding reading of the game, Kimmich has shown that he is capable of playing in almost any position on the football pitch. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he has played in defense and is capable of supporting the attack as well.

Kimmich has played under some of the world's best managers such as Hansi Flick, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. His past managers have heaped praise on the German, often regarding him as one of the brightest minds in the football world.

With Kimmich still in the formative years of his career, fans will have to wait a while to see if he will take up management in the future.

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#2. Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus

Parma Calcio v Juventus - Serie A Real Madrid v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final

Giorgio Chiellini is another player who looks like he could develop into a world-class manager.

Having turned pro in 2000, Chiellini has 21 years of top-flight football under his belt. One of the most experienced footballers on the current football scene, Chiellini has made over 700 professional appearances for club and country.

Chiellini's trophy cabinet is a sight for sore eyes. He has won Serie A nine times and the Coppa Italia five times. He most recently won UEFA Euro 2020 with Italy, captaining the side through to victory in the competition.

Chiellini has spoken about his interest in management in the past. In his autobiography, Chiellini has hinted that he would like to don the role of a manager after retirement and even has a degree in management.

Considering Chiellini is in the twilight years of his career, it is very likely that we will see him take charge on the touchline very soon. Only time will tell which team opts to give Chiellini his first hand at management.

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#1. Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United

Portugal v France - Final: UEFA Euro 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably one of the most likely players to develop into a world-class manager.

Ronaldo is a household name in world football. Having won every trophy at club level, Ronaldo has enjoyed a glamorous career across Portugal, England, Spain and Italy.

Ronaldo has built a reputation for being synonymous with success. He has won trophies with every club he has represented and with his most recent transfer, continues to shine for Manchester United in England.

On the international stage, Ronaldo captained Portugal to UEFA Euro success in 2016. Although he was forced off the field through injury in the final, Ronaldo showed glimpses of his management prowess on the touchline. He was seen shouting instructions at his teammates and pushing them towards an eventual triumph.

He has also been seen rallying his teammates during penalty shootouts, often sparking motivation and encouragement within them during pressurizing times. There is no doubt that the leading goalscorer in football history knows a thing or two about winning games.

Ronaldo is still putting up world-class numbers and certainly has at least a couple of years of top-flight football left in him before retiring. Having hinted repeatedly in the past about his interest in management, fans will have to wait a few years to see if Ronaldo will take charge on the touchline.