2026 BALLON D’OR: LUIS DE LA FUENTE NAMED 2026 BEST MEN’S COACH AFTER SPAIN’S WORLD CUP TRIUMPH

Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has been named the 2026 Best Men’s Coach at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, following his side’s triumph at the FIFA World Cup.

De la Fuente received the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy at the ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in football management.

The Spaniard’s latest accolade follows a successful spell in charge of the national team, during which he guided Spain to victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding to their triumphs at UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

His achievements and tactical leadership helped him emerge as the winner from a five-man shortlist featuring some of Europe’s leading managers.

The nominees were Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, De la Fuente of Spain, Unai Emery of Aston Villa, Vincent Kompany of Bayern Munich and Luis Enrique of Paris Saint-Germain.

Established by France Football in 2024, the Johan Cruyff Trophy recognises the best-performing coaches in men’s and women’s football, including managers of club sides and national teams.

The award is named after legendary Dutch footballer and manager Johan Cruyff, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner whose philosophy of Total Football and influence on modern tactics left a lasting mark on the game.

Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti won the inaugural Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy in 2024, while Luis Enrique claimed the honour in 2025 after his achievements with Paris Saint-Germain.

De la Fuente’s victory adds his name to the list of recipients of the coaching award, following his latest success on the international stage with Spain.