The coach of the year was Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, who led the Spanish giants to the Champions League and La Liga titles last season in what was a remarkable campaign. The 65-year-old Italian tactician won the prestigious award, which has been a hallmark of football excellence since its inception in 2016, for the very first time—an accolade that reflects his unparalleled expertise and dedication in the world of football management.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Ancelotti expressed his gratitude by saying, “I want to share this with the club, with my president, and with my players, those of the best club in the world.” His words highlighted the collaborative spirit in his successful tenure and the crucial role that teamwork played in achieving the club’s goals.
Ancelotti’s achievement is noteworthy not only because of his exceptional coaching skills but also because he triumphed over other deserving candidates. Most notably, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first German double, was not recognized in either category for the prestigious awards, underscoring the competitive nature of this year’s nominations.
The historical context of the FIFA Best Awards reveals a trend where previous winners have predominantly been Premier League managers, including the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Jurgen Klopp (who has won the award twice), Thomas Tuchel, and last year’s recipient, Pep Guardiola. This pattern emphasizes the dominance of English football in recent years and the level of competition that exists within the league.
On the women’s side, former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes was honored as the best women’s coach after she led the United States to the gold medal at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Hayes’ exceptional leadership and strategic foresight were instrumental in her team’s success, further establishing her as one of the leading figures in women’s football.
Having taken the US job after guiding Chelsea to the WSL title last season, Hayes marked her fifth successive league victory with the club—an impressive feat that showcases her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the game. This award marks the second time she has been recognized, having also taken home the accolade in 2021.
Hayes now reclaims the title from England boss Sarina Wiegman, who had won the award in both 2022 and 2023, and she outperformed other talented nominees including Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor and her successor at Chelsea, Sonia Bompastor. This victory not only highlights Hayes’ individual brilliance but also reflects the growing competitive landscape in women’s football, where multiple coaches are vying for top honors.
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