The Coach of the Year award has recently been added to the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony, giving recognition to the masterminds behind football's biggest successes.

Officially named the Johan Cruyff Trophy, it pays tribute to the Dutch legend who reshaped modern football through his pioneering philosophy of "Total Football." This award runs alongside other established honors at the gala, such as the Ballon d'Or itself, the Yashin Trophy, and the Socrates Award.

Football coach in action during a match

Football coach in action

The Johan Cruyff Legacy

Johan Cruyff (1947-2016) was not only one of football's greatest players but also a revolutionary coach who transformed the modern game. His coaching philosophy emphasized ball possession, pressing, positional play, and youth development.

As Barcelona's coach from 1988 to 1996, Cruyff won four consecutive La Liga titles and the club's first European Cup in 1992, establishing the foundation for Barcelona's future success.

2025 Men's Coach of the Year Results

Rank Coach Nationality Team
1 Luis Enrique 🏆 Spain Paris Saint-Germain
2 Antonio Conte Italy Napoli FC
3 Hansi Flick Germany FC Barcelona
4 Enzo Maresca Italy Chelsea FC
5 Arne Slot Netherlands Liverpool FC

Luis Enrique's victory recognizes his exceptional work at Paris Saint-Germain, where he has successfully rebuilt the team's identity and tactical approach following the departures of key players, leading PSG to domestic success and improved Champions League performances.

2025 Women's Coach of the Year Results

Rank Coach Nationality Team
1 Sarina Wiegman 🏆 Netherlands England
2 Arthur Elias Brazil Brazil
3 Justine Madugu Nigeria Nigeria
4 Renée Slegers  Netherlands Arsenal
5 Sonia Bompastor France Chelsea

Sarina Wiegman keeps solidifying her reputation as one of the best women's football managers.  She has led the Lionesses to sustained international success as head coach of the England women's national team, including their victory at the UEFA Women's Euro and their presence in the World Cup final.  At the Ballon d’Or gala, she received the Johan Cruyff Award for Best Female Coach for the first time.

“I see this award as a recognition of the women’s game and of our journey and where we have come to so far. With that growth comes responsibility. We have to take that responsibility and try to keep our industry welcoming and inclusive, a place where everyone belongs.”

— Sarina Wiegman, on winning the Johan Cruyff Trophy (Women’s Coach of the Year), Sept 22, 2025.

How Winners Are Selected

The Johan Cruyff Trophy winners are determined through a voting process involving journalists from around the world, similar to the Ballon d'Or player awards. Key criteria include:

Trophy Success

Major titles won during the season, including domestic leagues, cups, and international competitions.

Tactical Innovation

Implementation of innovative tactics and strategies that influence the game.

Team Development

Improvement in team performance and development of individual players.

Comparison with Other Coaching Awards

While the Johan Cruyff Trophy is new, it inevitably invites comparisons with the Best FIFA Coach of the Year Award, which has been around since 2010. The two awards differ in both process and legacy.

The Cruyff Trophy, overseen by France Football as part of the Ballon d'Or, is voted on by international journalists, tying it firmly to media evaluation and the tradition of the Ballon d'Or brand.

In contrast, FIFA's version is backed by football's governing body and uses a wider voting pool that includes national team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans, making it more inclusive but also more politicized. Where the Johan Cruyff Trophy emphasizes tactical brilliance, innovation, and impact within a season, FIFA's award reflects global recognition within the official football structure. Together, they highlight how coaching is now being honored from two powerful but distinct perspectives.

Future of the Award

As the Johan Cruyff Trophy becomes established alongside the traditional Ballon d'Or player awards, it's expected to gain prestige and recognition as the definitive coaching honor in world football.

The award not only celebrates current excellence but also honors the legacy of Johan Cruyff's contributions to football philosophy and coaching methodology.