Luis de la Fuente Named 2026 Men's Coach of the Year After World Cup Victory
The Spain manager made history at the London Palladium by becoming the first national team coach to win the prestigious Johan Cruyff Trophy.
Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente has been named the 2026 Men's Coach of the Year at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held at the London Palladium. The 65-year-old manager received the honor following Spain's triumphant campaign at the 2026 World Cup across North America, adding to the international titles he previously secured with the squad, including the Nations League and Euro 2024.
The award, named in honor of the legendary Johan Cruyff, recognizes the top manager in global football across a single campaign, factoring in trophies, tactical execution, and overall performance at both the club and international levels. De la Fuente made history with his victory by becoming the first national team manager to claim the prize since its inception.
Spain put together an extraordinary run during the 2026 tournament, finishing their eight matches undefeated. La Roja conceded only a single goal throughout the entire competition and defeated powerhouse opponents including Portugal, Belgium, France, and defending champions Argentina to secure their second World star.
De la Fuente's tactical decisions played a pivotal role in the team's success. Throughout the demanding tournament, the manager demonstrated a willingness to make bold choices, notably benching midfielder Pedri and maintaining confidence in goalkeeper Unai Simón over David Raya and Joan García.
His leadership and ability to foster a collective environment centered on teamwork and togetherness helped maximize a young squad's potential. This cohesive approach also contributed to strong representation for Spain among the Ballon d'Or nominees, with half a dozen world champions recognized, including young standout Lamine Yamal.
To secure the Johan Cruyff Trophy this year, De la Fuente outpaced a competitive field of nominees that included fellow managers Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Vincent Kompany, and Luis Enrique. His latest individual accolade cements his legacy in Spanish football folklore.
The Men's Coach of the Year award was established in 2024, with Carlo Ancelotti taking home the inaugural trophy after leading Real Madrid to multiple titles. Luis Enrique won the distinction the following year after directing Paris Saint-Germain to a historic quadruple, paving the way for De la Fuente to join the exclusive group of recipients.