Luis de la Fuente, the technical director of the Spanish national team, was awarded the Johan Cruyff award for the best coach in the world for 2026, during the Ballon d'Or ceremony held on Monday evening in the British capital, London, in recognition of his achievements with the Spanish national team.
De la Fuente's victory in the award came after competition with a group of the most prominent coaching names in world football, led by Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's coach, and Unai Emery, Aston Villa's technical director, alongside Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain's coach, and Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich's technical director.
Spanish coach Rafa Benítez took on the task of handing over the award to De la Fuente, amidst a festive atmosphere witnessed by the Best in World Football awards ceremony, with the presence of elite football stars and prominent figures.
This crowning is in recognition of what De la Fuente has presented with the Spanish national team, after he led them, according to the information received, to win the World Cup title, after defeating the Argentine national team in the final match, adding a new achievement to his coaching career.