Thomas Tuchel, 52, will lead England against Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals today. The Three Lions face the reigning world champions in Atlanta, with a squad brimming with talent but entering as underdogs. Tuchel took charge in January 2025, aiming to deliver England's first World Cup trophy since 1966. So far, he has demonstrated tactical brilliance and commanding presence, as seen in the 2-1 victory over Norway.
Split from Wife Sissi
Tuchel's separation from his ex-wife Sissi made headlines during his tenure at Chelsea. Married for 13 years, they wed in 2009 and divorced in 2022. The split occurred months after Sissi relocated to Surrey with their two daughters, Emma and Kim, to be closer to Tuchel. At the time, Tuchel said: "It was a long summer, but it did not feel so long because I was in Paris to help my family move the house and finish school for the kids over there. My wife took care of [the house move] so I did not get in the way too much."
However, by April 2022, the relationship ended, with the pair having "exhausted all avenues" and no prospect of reconciliation, according to reports. The Independent noted that the breakdown became a talking point in the Chelsea dressing room, changing players' views of their boss. Tuchel was dismissed from Chelsea less than six months later. A source told the Mail on Sunday: "Sissi and Thomas have tried to avoid splitting, but in the end, there was no other way. It is very sad, and now it is all about making sure their daughters are the top priority."
New Girlfriend Natalie Max
Weeks after his divorce became public, Tuchel reportedly began a relationship with Brazilian mother-of-two Natalie Max, who is 13 years his junior. The pair were photographed together in Sardinia in summer 2022, staying at a luxury villa costing £20,000 per night. They are understood to have been together since May 2022, just a month after his marriage ended. Friends describe them as "very much in love."
Max, a director at consulting firm Natexo, has kept a low profile since the relationship emerged, though she has been seen in stadium stands supporting Tuchel.
England Salary
Tuchel earns a £4.9 million annual salary as England manager, ranking fourth among World Cup 2026 head coaches. The highest-paid manager is Brazil's Carlo Ancelotti at £8.5m annually, though Brazil were knocked out in the last 16 by Norway. Former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann was second on £5.9m, and USA's Mauricio Pochettino third on £5.1m.
