Carlo Ancelotti is joined on the shortlist by Lionel Scaloni, Luis de la Fuente, Pep Guardiola, and Xabi Alonso.
Despite managing an injury-riddled Real Madrid squad, Ancelotti’s tactical brilliance guided the team to remarkable success, earning him a spot in the race for FIFA Best Men’s Coach of the Year. Alongside him, four other top coaches have been shortlisted.
FIFA unveiled the nominees for the Best Coach and Best Player awards on Friday, with the coaches’ shortlist featuring Ancelotti, Scaloni, De la Fuente, Guardiola, and Alonso.
The performance window for the nominations spans from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024.
Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid faced a season plagued by injuries, losing key players one after another. Despite this, Ancelotti’s sharp strategies ensured the team’s form remained unaffected.
Under his guidance, Real Madrid clinched the 2023-24 Champions League title and won La Liga last season, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Barcelona with 95 points. Additionally, in January, they defeated Barcelona to lift the Spanish Super Cup.
Lionel Scaloni
Scaloni’s meteoric rise as a coach continues to amaze. Under his leadership, Argentina captured a record 16th Copa América title, defeating Colombia 1-0 in a thrilling final to retain their crown.
This victory adds to his impressive résumé, which includes Argentina’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup win, ending a 36-year drought.
Luis de la Fuente
Since taking over from Luis Enrique, De la Fuente has transformed Spain into a dynamic force. Moving away from their traditional possession-heavy style, his team adopted a direct and fast-paced attacking approach.
The change bore fruit as Spain secured their record fourth European Championship in July by defeating England.
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso made waves in football last season with Bayer Leverkusen. Under his management, the team went unbeaten and won the Bundesliga for the first time.
They also clinched the German Cup and finished runners-up in the UEFA Europa League. Alonso’s exceptional leadership earned him the Bundesliga Coach of the Season award.
Pep Guardiola
Guardiola’s Manchester City continued their dominance, winning the Premier League title for a fourth consecutive season under his guidance.
City also claimed their first FIFA Club World Cup in 2023 and the FA Community Shield. His achievements earned him the Premier League Manager of the Season award.
