According to reports on Monday, October 26, 2026, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has been named Men’s Coach of the Year at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony after guiding his national team to World Cup glory.

The Spanish coach received the prestigious honour at the ceremony in London, recognising his role in leading Spain to their second FIFA World Cup title. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final on July 19, 2026, to secure the trophy and complete a remarkable campaign.

De la Fuente’s achievement adds another major honour to his coaching career. Since taking charge of Spain’s senior national team in December 2022, he has guided the country to several important successes, including the 2023 UEFA Nations League, Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.

Spain’s World Cup campaign played a significant role in the coach receiving the award. The team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and conceded only one goal, showing strength in defence while producing the results needed to lift football’s biggest international trophy. Their victory over Argentina in the final provided the finishing touch to an impressive run.

The award recognises the influence De la Fuente has had on the national team, including his tactical decisions, player management and ability to bring together a squad capable of competing against the strongest nations in world football.

However, the coach was quick to recognise the collective effort behind the achievement. During his acceptance speech, he described the award as a success shared with his players and coaching staff, emphasising the importance of teamwork.

De la Fuente faced competition from several respected managers, including Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Luis Enrique of Paris Saint-Germain, Unai Emery of Aston Villa and Vincent Kompany of Bayern Munich. His World Cup triumph ultimately helped him secure the honour.

The recognition further strengthens Spain’s position among the leading forces in international football. After winning the European Championship in 2024 and the World Cup in 2026, the national team has enjoyed a successful period under De la Fuente’s leadership.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony celebrated achievements across the game, with the coaching award highlighting the important role managers play in building successful teams and guiding players towards major titles.

For De la Fuente, the honour represents another milestone in a career that has now delivered success at European and world level.