Four Spanish coaches have been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year award, with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente joined by Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery and Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique on the five-man shortlist.
The only non-Spanish nominee is Vincent Kompany, who is recognised after guiding Bayern Munich to a domestic treble. France Football announced the nominees on Tuesday, September 8.
De la Fuente enters the race after leading Spain to the 2026 FIFA World Cup title, making him one of the leading contenders for the Johan Cruyff Trophy. Spain’s triumph adds to his record after he guided La Roja to European Championship glory in 2024.
Luis Enrique is also in contention after another remarkable season with PSG. The Spanish coach guided the French champions to their second consecutive Champions League title, alongside the Intercontinental Cup, European Super Cup, Ligue 1 and French Super Cup.
His inclusion gives him an opportunity to defend the award he won last year.
Mikel Arteta earned his nomination after finally delivering the Premier League title to Arsenal, ending the club’s 22-year wait for the English top-flight championship. The Gunners also reached the Champions League final, where they lost to Enrique’s PSG.
Unai Emery makes the shortlist after leading Aston Villa to Europa League success and a fourth-place Premier League finish, securing Champions League football for the English club.
Completing the list is Vincent Kompany, who guided Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup during the 2025-26 campaign.
The shortlist means Spain accounts for four of the five nominees, underlining the country’s growing influence among Europe’s leading coaches.
The winner will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26.
2026 Men’s Coach of the Year nominees
- Mikel Arteta — Arsenal
- Luis de la Fuente — Spain
- Unai Emery — Aston Villa
- Vincent Kompany — Bayern Munich
- Luis Enrique — Paris Saint-Germain
The award, officially the Johan Cruyff Trophy, recognises the outstanding men’s coach of the season.