The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony got underway at the London Palladium on Monday, with Spanish coaching receiving early recognition as Spain Men's National Team head coach Luis de la Fuente and Barcelona Femení's Pere Romeu swept the coaching awards.
De la Fuente was named Men's Coach of the Year after guiding Spain to a FIFA World Cup win this past summer, beating reigning champions Argentina in extra time. He beat fellow finalists Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Luis Enrique of Paris Saint-Germain, Vincent Kompany of Bayern Munich, and Unai Emery of Aston Villa to the award.
Speaking on stage, the 65-year-old said, via The Mirror, "Good evening, it is a real honor for me to receive this prize. To be among these nominees is just something very special. I would like to thank the rest of the nominees, as they have done more than enough to deserve this. This prize is not an individual prize. This is for a whole team, a great team. It is an honour to train you and work with you. I would like to thank the Spanish football federation. The secret is really working with footballers that are very generous and work in solidarity and put their team above their individual selves."
Since taking charge of Spain in 2022, having previously coached the Under-19s and Under-21s, de la Fuente has now guided his side to a World Cup, a UEFA European Championship, and a Nations League title. Ranked first in the world by FIFA, he has led Spain to a 43-7-3 record in all competitions and the team remains undefeated since the 2025 Nations League Final.
Romeu claimed the Women's Coach of the Year award fresh off a quadruple-winning season with Barcelona, having won Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de España, and the Champions League. He beat Jonatan Giráldez of OL Lyonnes, Andrée Jeglertz of Manchester City, Nils Nielsen of the Japan national team, and Elena Sadiku of BK Häcken to the award.
The third-year head coach said in London, "Pleasure to be here and to receive this award. Thank you so much. Congratulations to everyone else. Secondly, I feel this is a collective prize, a prize for the team. We have some excellent football players and we have won many titles in previous titles. I am very grateful for all the football players who have been part of this past season."
Romeu's side currently sit top of Liga F once more on 21 points after seven games, with a goal difference of +28. They have also won both of their Champions League group games so far by an aggregate score of 11-2.
Barcelona were later named Women's Club of the Year, with club president Joan Laporta saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you to France Football and L'Équipe for presenting us with the best women's club of the year award. I am honored to receive this recognition."
