Ballon d’Or 2026 Coach of the Year nominees

Ballon d’Or 2026 Coach of the Year nominees have been released by the France Football. Managers in the men’s and women’s game who defined last season with their tactical masterminds have been nominated.

The nominations for the Johan Cruyff Trophy are heavily dominated by Spanish talent, reflecting a golden era for the nation’s coaching exports across Europe’s top leagues.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique finds himself back in the spotlight after another sensational year in the French capital.

The Spainish tactician, who took home the award in 2025, is now aiming to defend his crown after leading the Parisians to a second consecutive Champions League title.

Joining Enrique on the men’s shortlist is Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who finally ended the Gunners’ long wait for domestic supremacy.

Arteta brought Premier League glory back to north London for the first time in 22 years, narrowly missing out on a double after falling to PSG in the Champions League final.

Completing the Spanish contingent in England is Unai Emery, who continues to perform miracles at Aston Villa.

Emery led the Villans to Europa League glory last season and secured a remarkable fourth-place finish in the Premier League to ensure Champions League qualification for the Birmingham club.

Meanwhile, Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente remains the man to beat. The veteran tactician led La Roja to success at the 2026 World Cup.

Having finished third in the 2024 rankings following Spain’s European Championship triumph, he could be in for the biggest prize this year.

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany also made the list. The Belgian tactician steered the Bavarian powerhouse to a commanding Bundesliga title.

Under his watch, Bayern shattered all-time Bundesliga goal record by netting an astonishing 122 goals last season.

Men’s Ballon d’Or 2026 Coach of the Year nominees

The Women’s Coach of the Year award is also set to be handed out for the third time next month, and a first-time winner is guaranteed.

Following the previous successes of Emma Hayes in 2024 and Sarina Wiegman in 2025, the 2026 shortlist features a diverse array of talent. Barcelona tactician Pere Romeu is a strong alongside Manchester City’s Andree Jeglertz and former Japan manager Nils Nielsen.

Rounding out the women’s nominees are OL Lyonnes’ Jonatan Giraldez and current BK Hacken boss Elena Sadiku.