The FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year award honors the most outstanding football tacticians on the planet each year. It celebrates strategic brilliance, leadership, and achievements across both club and international football. From historic World Cup triumphs to Champions League glories, these managers have shaped the modern game with tactical genius and unmatched discipline. This list ranks the top winners based on the total number of titles, showcasing the evolution of managerial excellence. Let’s explore the greatest names to win the Coach of the Year award.
10. Didier Deschamps
Years: 2018
Deschamps guided France to World Cup glory in 2018, combining youth and experience into a cohesive powerhouse. His strategic discipline and player management proved decisive. He became only the third man to win the World Cup as both player and coach. His one win earned him global praise and the Coach of the Year honor.
9. Zinedine Zidane
Years: 2017
Zidane’s 2017 season at Real Madrid was iconic. He won La Liga and guided Madrid to a second consecutive Champions League title. His calm demeanor and ability to get the best from stars like Ronaldo and Modrić earned him the Coach of the Year title. It was a golden era for the Spanish giants.
8. Claudio Ranieri
Years: 2016
Ranieri pulled off one of football’s greatest miracles in 2016, leading Leicester City to their first-ever Premier League title. Defying 5000-1 odds, his tactical intelligence and team spirit shocked the world. It was an underdog story for the ages, earning him the FIFA Coach of the Year accolade.
7. Luis Enrique
Years: 2015
In 2015, Enrique led Barcelona to a historic treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League. His emphasis on quick passing and fluid attack revived Barcelona’s dominance. With Messi, Neymar, and Suárez at their peak, his tactics earned him his first Coach of the Year honor.
Also Read: Top 10 Football Coaches Who Managed Multiple Elite Clubs
6. Joachim Löw
Years: 2014
Löw masterminded Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory with dominant performances, including the 7-1 semi-final win over Brazil. His balanced squad, quick transitions, and pressing football made Germany unstoppable. The title cemented his place in coaching history and won him the Coach of the Year award.
5. Jupp Heynckes
Years: 2013
Heynckes led Bayern Munich to a legendary treble in 2013—winning the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League. His high-pressing and disciplined style redefined Bayern. That season was one of the best by a club team, and he was rightly named Coach of the Year.
4. Vicente del Bosque
Years: 2012
Del Bosque’s calm and tactical awareness helped Spain win the Euro 2012 title, completing a historic treble of Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012. He created a team that controlled games with possession and composure. His efforts earned him the FIFA Coach of the Year title in 2012.
3. José Mourinho
Years: 2010
Mourinho’s masterclass with Inter Milan in 2010 brought the Italian side the treble—Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League. Known for his defensive solidity and counter-attacks, his tactical genius was undeniable. He was awarded the Coach of the Year for his incredible achievement.
2. Pep Guardiola
Years: 2011 & 2023
Pep won his first Coach of the Year award in 2011 after guiding Barcelona to La Liga and Champions League titles. In 2023, he returned to the top, winning the treble with Manchester City. His philosophy of possession, pressing, and positional play revolutionized modern football.
1. Jürgen Klopp
Years: 2019 & 2020
Klopp won back-to-back Coach of the Year awards for leading Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2019 and their first Premier League title in 2020. His high-pressing “gegenpressing” style, emotional leadership, and team unity made Liverpool Europe’s most feared side during that period.
Honourable Mentions
- Carlo Ancelotti (2024) – Won after a stellar season with Real Madrid, adding La Liga and Champions League to his CV.
- Lionel Scaloni (2022) – Guided Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2022 victory, showcasing balance and unity.
- Thomas Tuchel (2021) – Led Chelsea to their second UCL title with a resilient, tactical masterclass in 2021.
| Rank | Coach | Awards Won | Notable Clubs/Nation | Key Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jürgen Klopp | 2 | Liverpool | 2019, 2020 |
| 1 | Pep Guardiola | 2 | Barcelona / Man City | 2011, 2023 |
| 3 | José Mourinho | 1 | Internazionale | 2010 |
| 4 | Vicente del Bosque | 1 | Spain | 2012 |
| 5 | Jupp Heynckes | 1 | Bayern Munich | 2013 |
| 6 | Joachim Löw | 1 | Germany | 2014 |
| 7 | Luis Enrique | 1 | Barcelona | 2015 |
| 8 | Claudio Ranieri | 1 | Leicester City | 2016 |
| 9 | Zinedine Zidane | 1 | Real Madrid | 2017 |
| 10 | Didier Deschamps | 1 | France | 2018 |
FAQs
Q1: Who has won the most FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year awards?
A: Both Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have won it twice, the most by any coach.
Q2: Who won the FIFA Coach of the Year award in 2024?
A: Carlo Ancelotti won in 2024 for his success with Real Madrid.
Q3: Which international coach won the award recently?
A: Lionel Scaloni won the 2022 award after guiding Argentina to World Cup glory.
Q4: Has a coach ever won for a club and international success?
A: Yes, coaches like Del Bosque and Guardiola have excelled at both levels.
Q5: What does the FIFA Coach of the Year award recognize?
A: It honors the best-performing coach globally in club or international football.