By 90min | Created at 2024-10-29 21:33:03 | Updated at 2024-10-30 15:20:24
1 day ago
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was named Men's Coach of the Year at Ballon d'Or 2024, while United States Women's National Team boss Emma Hayes won Women's Coach of the Year.
This year saw the coaching awards presented for the first time, with Ancelotti crowned the inaugural winner after an exceptional 2023/24 campaign with Madrid. The 65-year-old guided the Spanish giants to La Liga success before winning the Champions League for a fifth time as a manager.
However, the Italian was not at the ceremony to claim his prize, with Madrid's representatives having boycotted the gala entirely after reportedly learning that Rodri would be awarded the Ballon d'Or instead of superstar winger Vinicius Junior.
Kylian Mbappe was also absent despite winning the Gerd Muller Trophy alongside Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane for most goals scored throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
Hayes enjoyed success with Chelsea / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages
Ancelotti beat out competition from five other nominees, including three Spanish coaches. Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Spain national team boss Luis de la Fuente were all snubbed for the prize, as were Argentina's Lionel Scaloni and Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini.
Hayes delivered a video message as she accepted her award for Women's Coach of the Year. The former Chelsea manager guided the Blues to the Women's Super League title last season despite an almighty title fight with Manchester City.
The 48-year-old has since taken her pedigree to North America, coaching the USWNT since the end of last term. She guided the nation to gold during the Summer Olympics in Paris to further fill her growing trophy cabinet.
Hayes' Chelsea successor Sonia Bompastor was nominated following her excellent work with Lyon, while Jonatan Giraldez was also up for the award after a remarkable campaign with Barcelona. Benfica's Filipa Patao, England's Sarina Wiegmann and Brazil's Arthur Elias were also nominees.
