The Spanish football has concentrated a good part of the first awards of the Ballon d'Or 2026 ceremony, held this Monday in London. Luis de la Fuente and Pere Romeu have been recognized as the best coaches of the year, while Unai Simón and Cata Coll have received the Yashin Trophies, intended for the best goalkeepers in the male and female categories.
The four awards expand the Spanish prominence in a gala where Lamine Yamal and Vicky López have also conquered the Kopa Trophies. The recognitions encompass both club football and national teams and reflect the presence of Spanish professionals in different categories of the awards organized by France Football.
Luis de la Fuente and Pere Romeu, best coaches
The Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, has received the Johan Cruyff Trophy for the best male coach. The award recognizes his work at the helm of the Spanish national team during the 2025-2026 season, in which the national team has participated in the main international competitions.
De la Fuente, who took over the senior team in December 2022, thus adds a new individual distinction to his career as a coach.
In the female category, the recognition has been for Pere Romeu, coach of FC Barcelona, who has continued the trajectory of the azulgrana team among the main European clubs.
Romeu took over the direction of the women's first team in 2024, after being part of Jonatan Giráldez's coaching staff. His award recognizes the work developed during the last season and expands the representation of Barcelona at the ceremony.
Unai Simón and Cata Coll receive the Yashin Trophies
The awards for the best goalkeepers have also had Spanish protagonists. Unai Simón, goalkeeper of Athletic Club and the Spanish national team, has received the male Yashin Trophy, while Cata Coll, goalkeeper of Barcelona and the women's national team, has obtained the recognition in her category.
The award for Unai Simón distinguishes his performance between the posts and his trajectory in a season of high competitive demand. The Spanish international has consolidated himself in recent years as a regular piece in the goal of the national team.
For its part, Cata Coll has been recognized for her performances in Barcelona and in international football. The Balearic goalkeeper has taken on a prominent role both in her club and in the Spanish national team, with which she has participated in the main competitions.
The coincidence of both awards represents a double recognition of the Spanish school of goalkeepers, which adds to the awards obtained by the coaches.
Six Spanish awards in the same gala
The recognitions to De la Fuente, Romeu, Unai Simón, and Cata Coll are added to the Kopa Trophies obtained by Lamine Yamal and Vicky López, completing six awards for representatives of Spanish football.
Barcelona stands out especially in the women's football section, with three professionals recognized among players and coaching staff, while the Spanish national team is also represented in the individual awards.
The ceremony continues with the presentation of the absolute awards, which will determine the names of the best male and female footballers of 2026.