De la Fuente, at the top of the world

Luis de la Fuente wins the Johan Cruyff Trophy as world's best manager after leading Spain to Euro 2024, World Cup and FIFA ranking number one.

Luis de la Fuente has been named the winner of the Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded by France Football's Ballon d'Or jury to the world's best manager. The 65-year-old Spanish national team coach beat finalists Luis Enrique, Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery and Vincent Kompany.

De la Fuente's three-year tenure has delivered unprecedented success: the 2023 Nations League, Euro 2024 (won against England in Berlin), and the World Cup (lifted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19). Spain now holds the status of continental, Olympic and world champions simultaneously, and tops the FIFA rankings.

De la Fuente inherited the team after Luis Enrique's departure and steadied it following an early loss in Scotland. He built the squad methodically, knowing most players from his work with Spain's youth categories. His teams have won through different styles—defensive solidity, attacking freshness, tactical mastery—but always with the same identity: taking the initiative and controlling matches. The recognition reflects not just the victories but how Spain achieved them, through collective effort and values.