Spanish prize-winner De la Fuente wins Johan Cruyff Trophy

former Spain manager De la Fuente wins the inaugural Johan Cruyff Trophy for coach of the year after leading La Roja to Euro 2024 glory.

Luis de la Fuente has won the Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded annually to the world's best coach, at Monday's Ballon d'Or gala. The 65-year-old Spanish manager succeeds Luis Enrique, who won the award last year.

De la Fuente has enjoyed a remarkable year in charge of Spain's national team. He led La Roja to victory at Euro 2024 this summer, claiming the country's second European Championship title. He recently signed a new contract with the Spanish Football Federation through mid-2032.

The Johan Cruyff Trophy is only in its third year of existence. The award was renamed in honour of the Dutch football legend during the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, held in the presence of Cruyff's son Jordi. Carlo Ancelotti won the inaugural award in 2023. Other nominees this year included Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain), Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery and Vincent Kompany. In the women's category, Barcelona Women's coach Pere Romeu took the award.