The official shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year award has been announced, with five of football’s leading managers competing for the prestigious honour.
France Football revealed the nominees on September 8, 2026, as part of the unveiling of the full Ballon d’Or shortlists. The award recognises the best men’s coach from the 2025/26 season, including performances in international competitions.
The five nominees are Mikel Arteta, Luis de la Fuente, Unai Emery, Vincent Kompany and Luis Enrique.
Ballon d’Or 2026 Coach of the Year nominees
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta earns his place on the shortlist after guiding the Gunners to the Premier League title during the 2025/26 campaign.
Arteta has steadily transformed Arsenal into one of Europe’s leading sides since taking charge, and the league triumph represents another major milestone in his managerial career.
His nomination also underlines Arsenal’s impressive 2025/26 season, with the club included among the nominees for the Men’s Club of the Year award.
Luis de la Fuente — Spain
Luis de la Fuente is another major contender after leading Spain to World Cup glory in 2026.
The Spain boss has continued to build on the team’s success under his management, and winning football’s biggest international tournament gives him a particularly strong case for the award.
His success also makes him one of the most talked-about candidates ahead of the ceremony in London.
Unai Emery — Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery completes the Spanish contingent on the shortlist.
Emery’s nomination follows an outstanding campaign in which Villa won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification.
The achievement adds another European trophy to Emery’s already impressive managerial record and strengthens his case for the Johan Cruyff Trophy.
Vincent Kompany — Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany is the only non-Spanish coach among the five nominees. The former Manchester City captain enjoyed an excellent second season in charge of Bayern Munich, guiding the German giants to the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup.
Kompany’s inclusion represents a significant achievement after making the transition from playing legend to one of Europe’s most prominent young managers. He will be hoping to become the first Belgian winner of the men’s Coach of the Year award.
Luis Enrique — Paris Saint-Germain
Defending winner Luis Enrique has also made the 2026 shortlist. The Paris Saint-Germain manager enjoyed another remarkable campaign, with PSG winning the Champions League alongside several domestic and international honours.
Luis Enrique won the men’s Coach of the Year award in 2025 after leading PSG to their first Champions League title. His latest nomination allows him to become the first manager to retain the award.
Who is the favourite?
The race is difficult to call, but Luis de la Fuente enters the conversation with an extremely strong case because of Spain’s World Cup triumph.
However, Luis Enrique’s Champions League success, Arteta’s Premier League title, Emery’s Europa League triumph and Kompany’s domestic treble make this one of the most competitive Coach of the Year shortlists yet.
Four of the five nominees are Spanish, highlighting the country’s enormous influence on elite football management.
When will the winner be announced?
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26, 2026. The winner of the Coach of the Year award will be decided by an international jury of specialised journalists.
Under the official rules, each juror selects two coaches from the five nominees, awarding two points to their first choice and one point to their second. The coach with the most points wins the trophy.
With five managers who all enjoyed major success during the 2025/26 season, the final result promises to be closely watched.
The Ballon d’Or 2026 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
