Longtime Chelsea and current United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has been named the first ever Women’s Coach of the Year at Ballon d’Or 2024 awards.
Hayes led Chelsea to the Women’s Super League crown — her seventh with the Blues — before calling time on her time in London to take the reins of the USWNT.
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She remains unbeaten at boss of the U.S. women, leading the side to Olympic gold this summer in Paris.
Hayes won the top honor at the 2021 FIFA’s The Best awards, and was a six-time FA Women’s Super League Manager of the Season during her time at Chelsea.
The 48-year-old London native played with Arsenal before going into coaching in the United States with the Long Island Lady Riders, Iona University Gaels, and Chicago Red Stars. She joined Chelsea in 2012 and took over the USWNT this Spring.
Emma Hayes reacts to Ballon d’Or award
(from ussoccer.com)
“It’s an absolute honor to be recognized for the achievements with both the U.S. Women’s National Team and Chelsea,” said Hayes. “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. 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.”
Emma Hayes our Women's Johan Cruyff Trophy winner got a message for you! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/diaujscmaP
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
