Hayes and Ancelotti win Ballon d’Or coach awards

Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes have won the inaugural Johan Cruyff Awards, given to the best coaches in the men’s and women’s games at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Ancelotti guided Real Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League crown – the fifth of his managerial career – last season as well as the La Liga title.

Hayes steered 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.

Hayes’ side beat Brazil 1-0 in the final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, winning gold for the first time in 12 years.

Neither were in Paris to collect their awards as Hayes is in the United States before a game against Argentina, and Real Madrid did not send any representatives to the ceremony.

The European champions said its representatives would not go “where it is not respected” after learning Vinicius would miss out on the prestigious trophy, AFP and Spanish media reported.

“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 honored to coach such incredible people at Chelsea and the United States. This is a very proud day.”