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Emma Hayes won the Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy for the best coach at the 2024 Ballon d'Or at the Théâtre du Châtelet on Monday, October 28. The 48-year-old was recognized for her achievements with Chelsea and the United States Women's National Team (USWNT).
Hayes was instrumental in leading Chelsea and the USWNT to major titles last season. She won the fifth consecutive Super League title with Chelsea before joining the USWNT and winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hayes' USWNT dominated the quadrennial event, remaining unbeaten and claiming gold.
After receiving the award, Hayes expressed her pleasure in a statement (via GOAL).
"It’s an absolute honor to be recognized for the achievements with both the U.S. Women’s National Team and Chelsea. I just want to say a big thank you to all the staff and players from both teams and I have some special praise for the other nominees. They are exceptional coaches and I’m proud to be in the same company as them," she said.
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"As we all know, football is a team game and I’m very grateful to have led some amazing teams this year, so this award is for everyone who has been a part of the U.S. team and Chelsea," Hayes added.
On the other hand, Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti won the Men's John Cruyff Trophy. The Italian tactician had a brilliant 2022-23 season with Los Blancos, claiming the Champions League-LaLiga double while also winning the Supercopa de Espana.
The 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or went to Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati
Aitana Bonmati won her second consecutive Ballon d'Or title at the 2024 event in Paris. The Spaniard was one of the most clutch players for Barcelona Femeni last season, guiding them to a historic quadruple win. She also won the Nations League with Spain.
With Bonmati in the squad, La Blaugrana dominated on all fronts last season, winning Liga F, the Spanish Super Cup, Copa de la Reina, and the UEFA Women's Champions League. The Spanish midfielder scored 27 goals and created 17 more in 57 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.
She was especially brilliant in the Champions League, popping up with goals and assists when the team needed her the most. For instance, she scored in the semi-final second leg against Chelsea to reverse a 1-0 deficit.
Bonmati was instrumental in the Champions League final as well, breaking the deadlock against Lyon. Barcelona Femeni registered a statement 2-0 win to claim their third Champions League title on May 25. Aitana Bonmati was the Most Valuable Player in both the final and the tournament.
In men's football, Manchester City's Rodri claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
