2026 Coach of the Year Nominees: Men’s and Women’s Lists
France Football has announced the five men’s and women’s coaches who are in contention for the 2026 Coach of the Year awards, formerly known as the Johan Cruyff Trophy. This honor recognizes coaches whose strategies led to significant achievements during the past season.
The award was first given in 2024. Carlo Ancelotti won the men’s prize that year, while Luis Enrique of Paris Saint-Germain won it in 2025. Emma Hayes and Sarina Wiegman were the inaugural winners for the women’s category. The 2026 winners will be revealed at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 26 in London.
Four out of the five men’s nominees are Spanish, showing how much Spain has grown as a coaching nation this year. Luis Enrique is nominated again after leading PSG to back-to-back Champions League titles, making them one of only two clubs since the European Cup era to retain the trophy. Mikel Arteta earned his spot after ending Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the Premier League title, despite losing the Champions League final against PSG. Spain’s national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, is also nominated after leading the country to a World Cup win this summer. Unai Emery completes the Spanish quartet with his success at Aston Villa, where he won the Europa League and guided the club to fourth place in the Premier League. Vincent Kompany is the only non-Spaniard on the list, honored for winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich.
For the women’s category, Jonatan Giraldez (OL Lyonnes), Andree Jeglertz (Manchester City), Nils Nielsen (formerly Japan national team coach), Pere Romeu (FC Barcelona), and Elena Sadiku (Celtic/BK Hacken) are in contention. The winners will be announced at the same ceremony on October 26, marking the 70th anniversary of Sir Stanley Matthews winning the first Ballon d’Or.
The shortlists reflect the standout achievements of the season: European success in Paris, a long-awaited Premier League title in London, a World Cup victory for Spain, and a Bundesliga triumph in Munich.