Audio By Carbonatix
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."
Source: BBC
Latest Stories
-
Anthony Joshua discharged from hospital after fatal road crash
3 hours -
Trump media firm to issue new cryptocurrency to shareholders
3 hours -
Ebo Noah arrested over failed Christmas apocalypse and public panic
5 hours -
‘Ghana’s democracy must never be sacrificed for short-term politics’ – Bawumia
5 hours -
Bawumia congratulates Mahama but warns he “cannot afford to fail Ghanaians”
5 hours -
CICM backs BoG’s microfinance sector reform programme; New Year Debt Recovery School comes off January-February 2026
5 hours -
GIPC Boss urges diaspora to invest remittances into productive ventures
5 hours -
Cedi ends 2025 as 4th best performing currency in Africa
5 hours -
Fifi Kwetey brands calls for Mahama third term as ‘sycophancy’
6 hours -
Bawumia calls for NPP unity ahead of 2028 elections
6 hours -
Police restore calm after swoop that resulted in one death at Aboso
6 hours -
Obaapa Fatimah Amoadu Foundation launches in Mankessim as 55 artisans graduate
6 hours -
Behold Thy Mother Foundation celebrates Christmas with aged mothers in Assin Manso
6 hours -
GHIMA reaffirms commitment to secured healthcare data
7 hours -
John Boadu pays courtesy call on former President Kufuor, seeks guidance on NPP revival
7 hours
