Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes have won the inaugural Yohan Cruyff coaching awards in the Ballon d’Or 2024 results.
The Italian manager led Real to their 15th Champions League title and the fifth of his glittering career after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final at Wembley in May.
Hayes won the Women’s Super League with Chelsea in May before leaving to take over the United States, who she then guided to Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
The duo are the first winners of the yearly award, which has been named after legendary Dutch coach Yohan Cruyff.
Neither were at the ceremony in Paris to collect the award with Hayes in the States ahead of a game against Argentina and Real choosing not to send any representatives.
Hayes said via a video message: “I just want to say I’m very honoured to be awarded the first Ballon d’Or for a coach in the women’s game,” Hayes said via video message.
“I understand how challenging our work is. I feel a little embarrassed because we’re in a team game. I’ve been so honoured to coach such incredible people at Chelsea and the United States. This is a very proud day.”
