Spain dominates coaching awards as Mikel Arteta and Luis Enrique miss out
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony got underway at the London Palladium on Monday, with Spanish coaching receiving early recognition, with Men's National Team head coach Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona Femení's Pere Romeu sweeping the coaching awards.
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Having guided Spain to a FIFA World Cup win, beating reigning champions Argentina in extra time this past summer, de la Fuente was crowned theMen's Coach of the Year. In doing so, he beat fellow finalists Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain), Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich), and Unai Emery (Aston Villa).
Speaking on stage, the 65-year-old said, via The Mirror, "Good evening, it is a real honor for me to receive this prize. To be among these nominees is just something very special. I would like to thank the rest of the nominees, as they have done more than enough to deserve this.
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"This prize is not an individual prize. This is for a whole team, a great team. It is an honour to train you and work with you. I would like to thank the Spanish football federation.
"The secret is really working with footballers that are very generous and work in solidarity and put their team above their individual selves."
Since taking charge of Spain in 2022, having worked his way up the ladder by previously coaching the Under-19s and the Under-21s, De la Fuente has now guided his side to a World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and a Nations League title. Ranked first in the world by FIFA, he has led his side to a 43-7-3 record in all competitions, and are currently undefeated since the 2025 Nations League Final.
As for Romeu, he is fresh off a quadruple-winning season with Barcelona, winning Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España, and the Champions League. The third-year head coach said in London, "Pleasure to be here and to receive this award. Thank you so much. Congratulations to everyone else.
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"Secondly, I feel this is a collective prize, a prize for the team. We have some excellent football players and we have won many titles in previous titles. I am very grateful for all the football players who have been part of this past season."
Romeu's side is currently top of Liga F once more on 21 points after seven games, with a remarkable goal difference of +28. Meanwhile, they have also won both of their Champions League games thus far 11-2 on aggregate. The 32-year-old beat Jonatan Giráldez (OL Lyonnes), Andrée Jeglertz (Manchester City), Nils Nielsen (Japan national team), and Elena Sadiku (BK Häcken) to the award.
Barcelona was later named the Women's Club of the Year, with President Joan Laporta saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you to France Football and L'Équipe for presenting us with the best women's club of the year award. I am honored to receive this recognition."