Pere Romeu Named 2026 Women's Coach of the Year

Romeu wins the women's coaching prize

Pere Romeu has been named the 2026 women's coach of the year, winning the women's Johan Cruyff Trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. The Barcelona boss was recognised after an exceptional campaign in charge of the dominant Catalan side.

A near-perfect season

Romeu's Barcelona reportedly claimed every available trophy during the season, losing only a single match along the way. It was a response to the previous campaign, when the club still won its domestic honours but suffered a Champions League final defeat to Arsenal, and the new manager ensured there would be no repeat.

Champions League redemption

The crowning achievement was the Women's Champions League, secured with a commanding 4-0 win over record European winners OL Lyonnes in the final. For a club built on attacking, possession-based football, it was an emphatic statement of a return to the top of the European game.

Young and decorated

At 32, Romeu is among the younger coaches to be honoured at this level, yet he has already overseen a season of near-total success. His work turned a talented squad into a relentless winning machine and earned him the individual recognition to match the team's haul.

Part of Barcelona's banner night

Romeu's award was one of many for Barcelona and Spain. Alexia Putellas won the women's Ballon d'Or, Cata Coll the women's Yashin Trophy, Vicky Lopez the women's Kopa Trophy, and Barcelona were named women's club of the year.

About the women's coach award

The women's coach of the year award, also styled the Johan Cruyff Trophy, was introduced in 2024 alongside the men's version. It recognises the best manager in the women's game over the season, reflecting the Ballon d'Or's push to broaden its honours across both the men's and women's games since UEFA became co-organiser.

The bottom line

Pere Romeu's coach of the year award reflects a season of near-flawless dominance by Barcelona's women. Delivering the Champions League in style, and sweeping the domestic honours, made him the clear choice on a night his club ruled.

Related on Skillo

See also: Ballon d'Or 2026 live: Harry Kane wins in London, Ballon d'Or 2026: the full winners list.

Sources

• Ballon d'Or official winners (ballondor.com)
• 2026 Ballon d'Or - Wikipedia (full rankings)
• Ballon d'Or 2026 live updates: Kane, Putellas headline winners (NBC Sports)

Published date reflects the original event date (2026-10-26). This article is original Skillo editorial written from the sources above; facts were verified in September 2026.