The Inaugural Coach of the Year Award at the 2024 Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or gala has long been the pinnacle of individual recognition in football, celebrating the world’s best players. In 2024, the event is expanding to include a new accolade: the Coach of the Year award. This prestigious award will recognize the achievements of both men’s and women’s football managers, highlighting their contributions to the sport over the past year. With UEFA and Groupe Amaury, the owner of France Football, joining forces, this new award aims to elevate the global stature of football coaching.
Men’s Coach of the Year Nominees
The competition for the Men’s Coach of the Year award is fierce, with several high-profile managers making the shortlist. Each of these coaches has made a significant impact on their teams and the broader football world in 2024.
1. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola has once again proven his managerial genius by leading Manchester City to another stellar season. Under his guidance, City secured multiple titles, including the Premier League and a deep run in the UEFA Champions League. Guardiola’s ability to adapt his tactics and get the best out of his players makes him a strong contender for this award.
2. Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
Xabi Alonso has made waves in the Bundesliga, transforming Bayer Leverkusen into a formidable force. His innovative approach and emphasis on youth development have garnered praise across Europe. Alonso’s nomination is a testament to his rapid rise in the coaching ranks and his potential to become one of the best in the business.
3. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
A seasoned veteran, Carlo Ancelotti continues to demonstrate why he is one of the most respected coaches in football. In 2024, Ancelotti guided Real Madrid through a challenging season, maintaining their status as one of the top clubs in Europe. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen make him a favorite for this prestigious award.
4. Luis de la Fuente (Spain National Team)
Luis de la Fuente has brought a fresh perspective to the Spanish national team, leading them with distinction in international competitions. His focus on integrating young talent into the squad has rejuvenated the team, making Spain a formidable opponent on the world stage.
5. Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Gian Piero Gasperini’s work with Atalanta has been nothing short of remarkable. His attacking philosophy and ability to punch above the club’s weight in Serie A and European competitions have made Atalanta a team to watch. Gasperini’s inclusion in this list highlights his consistency in achieving success with limited resources.
6. Lionel Scaloni (Argentina National Team)
Lionel Scaloni’s leadership has been instrumental in Argentina’s continued success on the international stage. After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Scaloni has maintained the team’s high standards, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top coaches in the world.
Women’s Coach of the Year Nominees
The Women’s Coach of the Year award also features an impressive lineup of nominees, each of whom has made a significant impact on women’s football in 2024.
1. Sonia Bompastor (Lyon/Chelsea)
Sonia Bompastor has been a driving force in women’s football, leading Lyon to continued dominance in France and Europe. Her tactical brilliance and leadership have also made her a key figure at Chelsea, where she has played a crucial role in the club’s success. Bompastor’s dual impact makes her a strong candidate for the award.
2. Arthur Elias (Corinthians/Brazil National Team)
Arthur Elias has made significant strides with both Corinthians and the Brazilian national team. His ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams has earned him recognition on the global stage. Elias’s nomination reflects his contributions to elevating the standard of women’s football in Brazil and beyond.
3. Jonatan Giraldez (Barcelona/Washington Spirit)
Jonatan Giraldez has been a key architect of Barcelona’s continued success in women’s football. His strategic approach and focus on developing young talent have kept Barcelona at the forefront of the sport. Additionally, his influence extends to Washington Spirit, where he has helped shape the team’s competitive edge in the NWSL.
4. Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA National Team)
Emma Hayes has established herself as one of the most respected figures in women’s football. Her work with Chelsea has been nothing short of extraordinary, leading the club to multiple titles and maintaining their status as one of the top teams in Europe. Hayes’s impact on the USA national team has further solidified her legacy as an elite coach.
5. Filipa Patao (Benfica)
Filipa Patao has been instrumental in Benfica’s rise in women’s football. Her tactical innovations and ability to nurture talent have transformed the club into a competitive force in Portugal and Europe. Patao’s nomination is a recognition of her ability to consistently achieve success in both domestic and international competitions.
6. Sarina Wiegman (England National Team)
Sarina Wiegman continues to make her mark on the international stage, leading the England women’s national team with distinction. Her ability to instill a winning mentality and develop a cohesive unit has been crucial in England’s success in major tournaments. Wiegman’s achievements make her a top contender for the award.
The Significance of the Coach of the Year Award
The introduction of the Coach of the Year award at the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala represents a significant milestone in the recognition of coaching excellence in football. This award not only honors individual achievements but also underscores the vital role coaches play in the success of teams at both the club and national levels.
UEFA’s collaboration with Groupe Amaury in expanding the Ballon d’Or event further emphasizes the importance of celebrating coaching achievements alongside player excellence. This partnership is expected to enhance the global reach and prestige of the awards, ensuring that the contributions of top coaches are recognized on the world stage.
Conclusion: Anticipating the 2024 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year
As the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala approaches, the anticipation for the inaugural Coach of the Year award is building. With an impressive list of nominees, both in the men’s and women’s categories, the competition is set to be intense. Coaches like Pep Guardiola, Emma Hayes, and Sarina Wiegman have set the bar high, making it a challenge to predict who will take home the award.
Regardless of the outcome, the introduction of this award marks a new era in football, where the strategic brilliance and leadership of coaches are given the recognition they deserve. The football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 28, 2024.
