FC Barcelona manager Pere Romeu was named Coach of the Year on October 26, 2026, at the Ballon d’Or gala in London, securing individual recognition for his leadership of the Catalan side following a campaign in which the team captured every contested title. Romeu accepted the award from Rafa BenÃtez, dedicating the accolade to his players and coaching staff.
“I would like to congratulate the rest of the nominees,” Romeu said upon receiving the honor. “I feel this award is collective. I want to thank the players, who are fantastic and try to improve every day. Also my staff. We have to give value to everyone who works with us. I am very grateful, I wish we could all be here receiving the award, players and staff.”
The award follows a historic season for the club. After narrowly missing the Champions League trophy in his debut year, Romeu guided the squad through a dominant second season. Alongside a domestic treble consisting of the league title, the Copa, and the Supercopa, alongside the Copa Catalunya, Barcelona claimed the Champions League with a decisive 4-0 victory over OL Lyonnes in the final.
Beyond the silverware, the recognition highlights Romeu’s commitment to generational renewal, successfully integrating young prospects from La Masia alongside the squad’s established excellence.
The honor marks the third edition of the coaching award, which was introduced in 2024 by France Football during the Ballon d’Or ceremony under the name Johan Cruyff Trophy. Although the category has since been renamed Coach of the Year, local commentators noted the symbolic resonance of a Barcelona manager winning the trophy named in honor of the Dutch legend, particularly as the women’s team plays its home fixtures at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
Romeu’s victory represents the first time a manager from FC Barcelona has won the award in either the men’s or women’s categories. Previous recipients of the coaching honors include Emma Hayes with Chelsea in 2024 and England manager Sarina Wiegman in 2025 for the women’s game, alongside Carlo Ancelotti with Real Madrid in 2024 and Luis Enrique with Paris Saint-Germain in 2025 for the men’s division.
