Spanish stars shape Ballon d'Or gala, Luis de la Fuente coach

At the Ballon d'Or Gala in London, Spanish stars dominated, while FC Barcelona shone in almost every individual category. National team coach Luis de la Fuente (65) was crowned Coach of the Year and thus succeeded his compatriot Luis Enrique (Paris Saint‑Germain).

Coach of the Year and Contract Extension

De la Fuente received the Johan Cruyff Trophy as the best coach in the men's category and was honored in London for his performance as Coach of the Year. Under de la Fuente's leadership, Spain won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championship in Germany in 2024, and the World Cup title in the summer. Shortly after the triumph, he extended his contract until 2032.

Barcelona's Triumph in the Individual Awards

Almost all major awards went to the world champion's country, with FC Barcelona standing out in particular. Lamine Yamal (19) claimed the Kopa Trophy for the third time as the best young player; he said: "He has been playing at an excellent level for a long time." The 20‑year‑old Vicky López won again in the women's category, while her coach Pere Romeu (32) was honored as Coach of the Year for the women's teams.

Lamine Yamal wins third Kopa Trophy at Ballon d'Or gala

Barcelona's goalkeeper Cata Coll was named the best goalkeeper in London, and Spain's national goalkeeper Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao) received the award in the men's category. The best women's team of the year were the quadruple‑winning side of FC Barcelona.

The Spanish dominance was only broken by the Men's Team of the Year, which went to Paris Saint‑Germain – a club also led by a Spanish coach.

Luis de la Fuente, Ballon d'Or favourite, flies to London

Other nominees included Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, who suffered a collapse on Friday and was in hospital, and therefore could not attend. Host Thierry Henry wished him a speedy recovery. The awards for Male Footballer of the Year and Female Footballer of the Year are still pending.