Spain Sweeps Major Honors at 2026 Ballon d'Or Gala in London

Spanish football dominated the 2026 Ballon d'Or gala, with Luis de la Fuente winning the Johan Cruyff Trophy as best men’s coach and Alexia Putellas claiming her third women’s Ballon d’Or. The awards, presented at London’s Palladium Theatre on October 26, underscored a historic night for Spanish football, which secured six consecutive major individual honors.

De la Fuente was recognized for leading Spain to an unbeaten World Cup victory over Argentina in July, adding to previous Nations League (2023) and Euro 2024 titles. He defeated four other nominees—three of whom were also Spanish: Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, and Luis Enrique. In his acceptance speech, De la Fuente emphasized the collective nature of the achievement, stating, “This prize is not something individual, but collective, of a great team” Source: El Confidencial.

In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or after a season that included league and Champions League success with London City Lionesses, following her tenure at Barcelona. She joined Aitana Bonmatí, who won three consecutive awards from 2023 to 2025, extending Spain’s dominance in the award. Putellas remarked, “The first one is always special... This represents the best way to end a wonderful stage” Source: ABC.

Other notable Spanish winners included Lamine Yamal, who made history by winning the Kopa Trophy for best young player for the third consecutive year, and Vicky López, who retained her women’s young player title. Goalkeepers Unai Simón and Cata Coll received the Yashin Trophy for best male and female goalkeepers, respectively. Pere Romeu was named best women’s coach, guiding Barcelona to another domestic and European treble.

The results highlight Spain’s sustained excellence across both men’s and women’s football, with multiple coaches and players recognized for their contributions to national and club success.