Spain national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, has won the Men’s Coach of the Year award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in recognition of his team’s success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Spanish tactician received the honour on Monday at the London Palladium in England, emerging ahead of four other prominent managers.
De la Fuente defeated Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique, Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to claim the prestigious award.
The presentation was handled by former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, although the announcement was briefly interrupted by confusion over the winner’s name on the card.
Benitez subsequently confirmed De la Fuente as the recipient, bringing the brief moment of uncertainty to an end.
The Spanish coach later exchanged handshakes with Emery and Spain international Lamine Yamal before taking to the stage to collect his award.
The recognition further highlights De la Fuente’s achievements with the Spanish national team, following their triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His latest accolade also places him among the standout managerial figures recognised at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
