The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has revealed the shortlist for the 2024 Best Men’s Coach award, part of its annual “The Best” awards. This year, the list features five outstanding coaches, including three club managers and two national team coaches.
Leading the pack is Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title. Joining him on the list is Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager who led his team to victory in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
The list also includes Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente, who achieved success in international competitions, and fellow Spaniard Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season. Rounding out the nominees is Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach who continued his impressive run by leading Argentina to another Copa América triumph.
FIFA’s 2024 Best Men’s Coach Nominees:
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy): Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina): Argentina National Team
Luis de la Fuente (Spain): Spain National Team
Pep Guardiola (Spain): Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain): Bayer Leverkusen
The Best Awards Ceremony
While FIFA has yet to officially confirm the date for the 2024 “The Best” awards ceremony, it is expected to take place in early January, similar to previous years. The event, traditionally held in London, recognizes excellence across several categories, including Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, and the Best XI for both men’s and women’s football.
This year’s ceremony will also feature a new addition: the Marta Award, named after the legendary Brazilian player, honoring the best goal scored by a female footballer. Meanwhile, the Puskás Award has been redefined to celebrate the best goal in men’s football, regardless of nationality or competition.
Other awards include the FIFA Fair Play Award, the Best Fan Award, and various individual honors for female players and coaches. As anticipation builds, football fans around the world await the official ceremony to celebrate the sport’s finest achievements of the year.
