Fuente aims for Johan Cruyff Trophy after Champions title with PSG
Luis de la Fuente captured the Johan Cruyff Trophy on Monday during the Ballon d'Or‑gala, the award for coach of the year. The 65‑year‑old Spanish man thus followed Luis Enrique, who received the same honour last year. He was presented the award in the presence of Jordi Cruijff, son of the legendary Dutch footballer.
Coach of the Year
The Johan Cruyff Trophy is awarded to the coach of the year and is now in its third edition. The initiative was announced during the 2024 Ballon d'Or‑gala and bears the name of the Dutch football icon Johan Cruyff, with his son Jordi present. Luis Enrique won the award last year, while Carlo Ancelotti was the first winner. Johan Cruyff himself won the Ballon d'Or three times: in 1971, 1973 and 1974.
De la Fuente's successes and contract
De la Fuente led Paris Saint‑Germain last season to a second consecutive Champions League‑title. He was nominated alongside Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery and Vincent Kompany, but was unable to extend his title. The 65‑year‑old Spanish man also had a very successful year as head coach of the Spanish national team, after which he took La Roja last summer to its second World Cup title ever. Recently he signed a new contract that runs until mid‑2032.
World Cup pushes Luis De la Fuente toward the 2026 Johan Cruyff Trophy
For the women, the Coach of the Year award went to Pere Romeu, coach of Barcelona's women's team. The ceremony highlighted both the men's and women's achievements in football.