Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and former Chelsea coach Emma Hayes were awarded the first-ever Johan Cruyff Coach of the Year awards at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Ancelotti earned the men’s award after leading Real Madrid to their 15th Champions League title, his fifth personal Champions League victory, and securing the La Liga title.
Hayes was recognized in the women’s category after guiding Chelsea to a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title and leading the U.S. Women’s National Team to an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games, the team’s first gold in 12 years. Despite her success, she expressed humility, stating, “I feel a little embarrassed because we’re in a team game.”
Neither Ancelotti nor Hayes attended the ceremony. Hayes was preparing for a match with the U.S. team, while Real Madrid chose not to attend, reportedly due to perceived disrespect towards their player, Vinicius.
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