Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been given the inaugural Johan Cruyff Awards, while Emma Hayes won the female category. They were both given to the best coaches in the men’s and women’s games at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Carlo Ancelotti helped Real Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League crown the fifth of his managerial career and he also won the La liga title last season as well. Hayes on the other hand helped Chelsea to a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) title last season, as well as the final of the Women’s League Cup and the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League and Women’s FA Cup.
At the end of last season Hayes left Chelsea to become head coach of the United States women’s team. Her side also beat Brazil 1-0 in the final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, winning gold for the first time in 12 years.
Both Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes were not available to collect the award in Paris as Hayes is in the United States while Real Madrid did not send any representatives to the ceremony.
Emma Hayes speaking on the award, she said: “I’m very honoured. My family are very proud to be in this position.” “I am a little embarrassed as this is a team game. I am so honoured to coach incredible teams at Chelsea and USA. This is a very proud day.”
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