Luis de la Fuente Named Best Coach at Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Spain national team manager Luis de la Fuente was named the best coach of the year at the Ballon d’Or gala on Monday. The recognition follows his leadership in guiding the Spanish team to their second World Cup title.

A difficult path to recognition

De la Fuente’s current status contrasts sharply with his career trajectory over a decade ago. In the autumn of 2012, his tenure as manager of Alavés ended abruptly shortly after the season began. Following his dismissal, he experienced a prolonged period of unemployment, a time he described as filled with increasing concern.

Reflecting on his career during a recent interview, de la Fuente recalled the uncertainty of that period. He stated that he frequently expected job offers that did not materialize, noting that he would tell himself, “The next month someone will call me,” only for the calls to never come.

Learning from experience

Despite the lack of professional opportunities at the time, de la Fuente maintained his focus on coaching. He spent several months at Lezama observing the training sessions led by Marcelo Bielsa, who was managing Athletic Bilbao.

De la Fuente stated he recorded these sessions to study them closely. He maintained this archive for years, even referencing the experience before a match against Uruguay, which was managed by Bielsa.

Why it matters: This story highlights the volatility of professional coaching careers, showing how a manager can move from extended unemployment to international success. It serves as a reminder of the persistence required to reach the highest levels of football management.