Although many believe Luis Enrique is a foregone conclusion, there will be a strong competition for the 2025 Johan Cruyff Award, presented by France Football.
Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was the last winner of the 2024 award, but this year’s edition will inevitably see another coach win the title after the Italian was disqualified following the club’s poor season under his stewardship.
As expected, Luis Enrique tops the list of nominees following his resounding success with PSG last season, leading the club to its first-ever Champions League title, the Ligue 1 title, and the Coupe de France. He also reached the final of the 2025 Club World Cup.
Enrique is competing with Antonio Conte, who successfully brought Napoli the Serie A title after a fierce battle with Inter Milan.
Of course, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s name came up after the massive revolution he sparked at Camp Nou, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Super Cup against Real Madrid, and also reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
The fourth name was Italian Enzo Maresca, specifically for his success with Chelsea in winning the Club World Cup. He also led the Blues back into the Champions League after a period of absence, finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.
For the first time, Dutch coach Arne Slot was nominated for the Best FIFA Men’s Coach award. This is no surprise, given his impressive Premier League success with Liverpool, despite losing the Carabao Cup final and being eliminated early in the Champions League round of 16.
Nominees for the 2025 FIFA Best Coach Award
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
Arne Slot (Liverpool)
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
Antonio Conte (Napoli)
