Ballon d’Or organisers have unveiled the five-man shortlist for the 2026 Men’s Coach of the Year award, with four Spanish managers making the final nominations.
Luis Enrique, Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery are the Spanish nominees, while Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany is the only non-Spaniard on the list.
The award recognises coaching performances between August 2025 and July 2026, reflecting achievements at club and international level during the period.
Enrique earned his place after leading Paris Saint-Germain to another impressive campaign, while De la Fuente, Arteta and Emery were recognised for their strong performances with Spain, Arsenal and Aston Villa respectively.
Kompany secured his nomination after guiding Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in his debut season, although he also has strong ties to Spanish football philosophy through his time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year award will be announced during the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow The Eagle Times Nigeria on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
