FIFA has announced the nominees for the prestigious 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Coach award, showcasing some of the finest managerial talents in global football.

The winner will be determined by a diverse panel that includes current coaches and captains of men’s national teams, one journalist from each FIFA-recognized territory, and global football fans.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, the reigning titleholder of the award, has been shortlisted again following another stellar season.

The Catalan tactician led City to their fourth consecutive Premier League triumph in 2024, making history as the first English top-flight team to achieve this milestone.

Also making the cut is Carlo Ancelotti, the experienced Real Madrid manager, whose leadership earned Los Blancos both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy. Ancelotti’s achievements have also brought recognition to his players, with several nominated for individual honours.

Xabi Alonso, the celebrated coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has been nominated after an exceptional 2023/24 campaign. Under his guidance, Leverkusen clinched the Bundesliga title and maintained an extraordinary 51-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

The Spaniard also secured a domestic cup victory, though his team narrowly missed out on Europa League glory, falling in the final.

On the international front, Luis de la Fuente receives a nod for his remarkable success with Spain, guiding them to victory at Euro 2024.

Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni is recognized for leading Argentina to triumph in the Copa America, further solidifying his reputation on the world stage.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award celebrates the immense contributions of these tacticians to the sport, with fans eagerly awaiting the final announcement at the Best Awards ceremony.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees

• Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
• Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
• Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
• Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)

🚨 OFFICIAL: The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 nominees!

• CARLO ANCELOTTI
• Lionel Scaloni
• Luis de la Fuente
• Pep Guardiola
• Xabi Alonso pic.twitter.com/lwVvDiynwA

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) November 28, 2024

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Pep Guardiola has been awarded the 2023 Best FIFA Men’s Coach award for his exceptional leadership that guided Manchester City to a historic treble last season.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager orchestrated a stellar squad featuring stars like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, leading the Cityzens to triumph in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Guardiola faced tough competition for the award, with Inter’s Simone Inzaghi and Napoli’s Luciano Spalletti also in contention. Notably, Guardiola secured his place in history as the first coach to win two European trebles, previously achieving the feat with Barcelona in 2009.

Among the finalists were Xavi, the current Barcelona manager, and Ange Postecoglou, recognized for winning a domestic treble with Celtic before joining Tottenham Hotspur. This victory marks Guardiola’s first time clinching the prestigious prize, following his second-place finish in 2019 and third-place rankings in 2021 and 2022.

Guardiola’s win brings the trophy back to a club manager after Lionel Scaloni received the honor of guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. He joins the ranks of previous successful coaches, including Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, Didier Deschamps, Claudio Ranieri, and Thomas Tuchel.

The stellar performances of Guardiola’s Manchester City squad were also recognized, with Haaland, Messi, and Mbappe named as finalists for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award. Additionally, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva were shortlisted, and Ederson received a nomination for the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. Despite a slower start to the current campaign, City remains in contention for both the Champions League and the Premier League title.

🚨🏆 OFFICIAL: Pep Guardiola has been named as The Best FIFA Men's Coach of 2023. pic.twitter.com/j0ZctPhul2

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 15, 2024

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Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, had expressed his intention to step down last month, but following the Copa America draw, he provided an update.

The Argentina manager has confirmed that he has discussed his future with Lionel Messi in reaction to rumors that he was unhappy with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner following his recent performances in Brazil.

According to The Athletic, Scaloni and his coaching staff were “agitated” that Messi had not been in touch with them and that Messi’s actions could have contributed to the manager’s comments at his post-game news conference.

Talking ahead of the Copa America 2024 group stage draw [via @AlbicelesteTalk on X], Scaloni said: “I am here because I am still the coach, but I’m still thinking about my decision. I said after the Brazil game that it is a moment to think and I am still in that instance. I am calmly thinking, about how everything goes, whether to restart or what. The players are doing very well and they need a coach with all the desire and energy, at their level.

“The relationship with president Tapia has always been perfect. It’s all exclusively mine and the coaching staff, we have to think about the best for the National Team. I spoke to Messi after the Brazil game, he is the captain and I have a great relationship with him. I also spoke with Tapia on good terms as always.”

Following Argentina’s elimination from the 2018 World Cup in the Round of 16, Jorge Sampaoli was fired, and Scaloni assumed leadership. After the Albiceleste finished third in the 2019 Copa America, he was then hired as the team’s full-time coach.

The Argentine will undoubtedly lead the team in the Copa America in the United States the following year. After that, his future is still uncertain.

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Lionel Messi may find himself without the guidance of his World Cup-winning mentor, Lionel Scaloni, as the Argentina boss has hinted at a surprising resignation.

This revelation comes on the heels of Scaloni orchestrating a notable triumph over arch-rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifying, steering his team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory in challenging circumstances.

The match faced significant delays owing to police violence against Albiceleste supporters, creating a tense atmosphere. Despite the adversity, a determined battle on the pitch ensued, culminating in a Nicolas Otamendi goal that secured the win. However, after the final whistle, Scaloni appeared deep in thought, leaving uncertainty about his future with the team.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the World Cup-winning coach said, “I have to think a lot about what to do. It’s not goodbye but the bar is very high. This group demands you permanently. This team needs a coach who has all the energy possible and be well. “

The announcement is undeniably unexpected. Following the disappointment against Uruguay in their previous outing, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. They now lead their World Cup qualifying group by a significant eight-point margin over Brazil in sixth place. Any potential shift in Scaloni’s position raises uncertainties about Argentina’s defense of the Copa America and World Cup titles and could prompt questions about Lionel Messi’s future with the national team.

It’s crucial to note that, as of now, Scaloni’s statement doesn’t serve as a definitive resignation. The motive behind his reaction remains unclear, and it’s uncertain whether it directly relates to the off-the-scenes violence at Brazil’s Maracana stadium. Argentina’s supporters will undoubtedly hope that their World Cup-winning coach isn’t considering his departure anytime soon.

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In Argentina’s first game following their 2022 World Cup victory, Lionel Messi scored his 800th career goal as they defeated Panama 2-0 in a friendly match.

The 35-year-old became only the second player to reach the impressive milestone after his old rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. He now has a staggering 99 international goals to his name with 672 for Barcelona and 29 for Paris Saint-Germain.

To the pleasure of the crowd at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires, Messi scored in an emotional World Cup winners’ homecoming, and he and his squad celebrated lavishly before and after the game.

Thiago Almada scored the first goal to start the celebrations, and in the 89th minute, just as it appeared that Messi may not be able to cap off the event with a proper shot, he hit the top-right corner with an incredible free kick.

“I always dreamed of this moment, celebrating with you,” an emotional Messi said after the match as he paraded around the pitch with his family and the World Cup trophy.

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“I want to thank you all for the love and recognition that you have been receiving, not only after the World Cup but also for the Copa America,” Messi told the crowd after the match. “We said that we were going to give it all for this trophy.”

Messi will achieve the remarkable milestone of 100 goals for the national team if he scores another goal in Argentina’s forthcoming friendly match against Curacao on Tuesday. This follows their World Cup victory.

Lionel Messi quite simply is the 🐐

99 international goals.

800 career goals.

This is greatness. pic.twitter.com/J2YBkR88uH

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 24, 2023

In what felt like an appropriate homage to that momentous occasion for the nation, Lionel Scaloni chose the same starting lineup from the World Cup final triumph against France in Qatar.

In front of about 80,000 spectators, Messi raised the World Cup trophy while his teammates held up smaller reproductions of the same trophy. The winning team made a deliberate victory lap as fireworks were turned off over the stadium.

With 172 games under his belt, he has already surpassed Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer in terms of goals scored, with 56 in 78.

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Lionel Scaloni has disclosed that Lionel Messi will be welcome to play for Argentina for as long as he pleases.

Last year, Messi led Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup victory since 1986, scoring seven goals, dishing out three assists, and playing the full 690 minutes of football necessary to win the sport’s most cherished trophy.

Messi solidified his status as the greatest footballer of all time by winning the World Cup and his second Golden Ball.

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Many believed Messi would stop playing for his country after that win and at the age of 35, but the explosive forward has decided to carry on.

Speaking to the press ahead of Argentina’s games against Panama and Curacao during the March international break, manager Scaloni has insisted that only Messi himself will decide when he stops playing for his country.

“Messi will continue to come until he says otherwise,” Scaloni said. “I see him happy on the pitch and within the selection. Leo’s looking good to me. He deserves all that love. He and all the players who are here deserve to go out and receive that love because they have not been able to live it.”

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Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has talked about what it would take to get Lionel Messi to the 2026 World Cup after his country wins the title in 2022.

After leading Argentina to the World Cup title three months ago, head coach Scaloni is already being questioned about the 2026 competition, when the Albiceleste will defend their title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He was specifically asked if a specific seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who was already in the latter stages of his career, would be eligible to participate in the competition.

While speaking at a Gala in Italy, via ESPN Colombia, Scaloni was asked about Messi’s future with Argentina and if he could make one last World Cup: “Being in the next World Cup will be Leo’s decision; if his body can take it for me, he will be there.”

He further explained just how much it meant to lift the esteemed prize: “Behind our title, there was a communion of intentions between the fans, the staff and the players, something emotional that made sense of belonging for this unique shirt even stronger.

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“Then, having a player like Messi was, and is, obviously, an advantage. As a former teammate, training him is beautiful. I see how the other players look at him and follow him. He’s the best.”

Many believed that Messi’s final opportunity to win the World Cup would be in the 2022 competition.

Yet at age 35, he realized the prophecy and played a key role in helping his country win the tournament for the first time since 1986, adding the greatest trophy in football to his already impressive trophy cabinet and solidifying his place in history.

For most others, that would have been the ideal conclusion and an even greater chance to complete a glittering international career, but Messi has since expressed his intention to continue playing for Argentina as the reigning champion. His dedication to his nation looks unwavering, despite ongoing rumours about his Paris Saint-Germain future. Messi will always have a place in the national team system, according to Scaloni.

Messi must make a decision regarding his future at the club level, where he continues to prove to be important for PSG, before even considering the 2026 World Cup.

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The three finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach award have been announced as Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, and Lionel Scaloni.

Last year’s winner was Thomas Tuchel, who ended Jurgen Klopp’s two-year reign with the trophy by finishing on top of a podium which also included Italy’s Roberto Mancini in second and Guardiola in third.

The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, is back for another chance at winning the award, competing against Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Scaloni of Argentina.

Didier Deschamps of France and Walid Regragui of Morocco were both on the original five-person shortlist; however, the final three were chosen by an international panel made up of men’s national team coaches, captains, football journalists, and fans.

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The award, which recognizes a coach’s accomplishments from August 8, 2021, to December 18, 2022, will be presented on February 27 in Paris.

None of Ancelotti, Guardiola or Scaloni have ever won the award before. Indeed, Guardiola is the only one of the trio to make the final three, coming third last year and second in 2019.

After leading his team to Premier League victory, the City manager will be hoping to surpass that feat this time around. However, he will face opposition from the winners of two other significant titles.

Real Madrid won La Liga and the Champions League under Ancelotti, while Scaloni’s breakthrough came on the international stage when he guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.

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Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged that Lionel Messi is the “best in history” ahead of the “great” Argentina icon Diego Maradona.

Messi led Argentina to their third World Cup victory and first since Maradona’s triumph with La Albiceleste in 1986, earning him the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.

Scaloni is now sure that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has eclipsed Maradona in the list of all-time greats after the Paris Saint-Germain superstar scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven games as he lit up the Qatar tournament.

When the Argentina boss was asked to pick between the two in an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, he replied: “For me, Messi is the best in history. Maradona was great. but with Leo, I have something special.”

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Scaloni enjoys a strong following in Spain as he spent the bulk of his playing career with Deportivo de La Coruna. La Roja flopped in Qatar, crashing out to Morocco in the round of 16, with Luis Enrique subsequently replaced by Luis de la Fuente at the helm.

However, the 61-year-old has been criticised for his lack of coaching experience at the top level, and Scaloni has admitted he would be open to filling the same post at some point in the future. “Why wouldn’t I train Spain? I feel part of this country,” he said.

Scaloni’s contract, which officially expired at the end of December, is set to be extended following Argentina’s World Cup victory. Meanwhile, Messi is set to return to club action with PSG on Thursday in an all-star friendly against Riyadh XI, led by his old foe Cristiano Ronaldo.

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FIFA have revealed a five-man shortlist for The Best Men’s Coach award for 2022.

The Awards for this year will be determined based on performances from August 2021 until the end of the World Cup in December 2022.

Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, has been nominated for the honour following their thrilling victory in Qatar. In addition, he led La Albiceleste to a 43-game winning streak, with their lone setback coming in the World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

The manager Scaloni defeated in the final, France’s Didier Deschamps, is also up for the award. The former defensive midfielder took home the award in 2018 following Les Bleus’ World Cup glory, while he has steered his country to three finals in their last four major tournaments. France also won the 2021 Nations League.

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Walid Regragui of Morocco is the other international manager on the shortlist. Before the Atlas Lions became the first side from the continent to get to the semifinals, he became the first African coach to reach a World Cup quarterfinal.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is up for the award after winning a Champions League and La Liga double last season, becoming the first coach in history to claim the league title in all of Europe’s top five leagues.

Pep Guardiola of Manchester City completes the shortlist after leading his team to consecutive Premier League titles.

Voting will take place from January 12 until February 3. On the FIFA website, polls are currently up for voting. Fans, national captains, national coaches, and media representatives will each receive 25% of the vote.

The Best Men’s Coach 2022 shortlist

• Lionel Scaloni
• Didier Deschamps
• Walid Regragui
• Carlo Ancelotti
• Pep Guardiola

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Emiliano Martinez has revealed his obscene Golden Glove trophy celebration, with the Argentina star claiming the top goalkeeping prize at the 2022 World Cup.

Only Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in vain for France during a thrilling final, prevented the South Americans from winning a complete sweep of the prizes. La Albiceleste won the World cup for talismanic captain Lionel Messi in Qatar.

Martinez won the Golden Glove award, Messi won the Golden Ball, and Enzo Fernandez was named the tournament’s Young Player of the Year. The Aston Villa goalkeeper celebrated the triumph following the penalty shootout.

Quizzed by La Red radio as to why he repeated his antics from the Copa America – when he collected the same prize – by lowering the Golden Glove to his groin and thrusting it towards the stands, Martinez said: “I did it because the French booed me. Pride does not work with me.”

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Martinez added on Argentina’s epic victory over France, which saw Lionel Scaloni’s side prevail in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of breathless action had produced a 3-3 draw: “We suffered a lot. We thought we were in control but they managed to come back.

It was a very complicated game. Our destiny was to suffer. They had one last chance to win [when he saved Randal Kolo Muani’s late shot], luckily I was able to stop it with my foot. This is a moment I’ve always dreamed of living, I have no words for it. I left very young for England and I would like to dedicate this victory to my family.”

Martinez will soon return to domestic matters after taking in Argentina’s achievement for the moment.

Villa is scheduled to play Liverpool on December 26 in the Premier League, so Martinez will soon switch his focus back to domestic matters.

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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed his pride in his team’s tenacity in defeating France in the World Cup final.

La Albiceleste held a 2-0 lead over the 2018 champions but were forced to extra time thanks to a Kylian Mbappe brace. And just as Lionel Messi made it 3-2 after 108 minutes, Mbappe responded again at the death to take the game to penalties.

In the end, though, Argentina triumphed, defeating their opponents in a 4-2 shootout victory to win their third World Cup and first in 36 long years.

Speaking to reporters after the historic win, a tearful Scaloni was candid: “I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything.

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“I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group,” he added: “With the blows we received today, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.”

44-year-old Scaloni took charge of Argentina in 2018, having been promoted from his position as manager of the country’s under-20 side.

Scaloni, who won seven caps during his playing days, wasn’t exactly a household name as a coach before accepting the position. But when he guided his nation to the 2021 Copa America and started a 36-game unbeaten streak leading up to the 2022 World Cup, everything changed.

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