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By John Ogunsemore
The nominees for the 2025 Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded to the best men’s coach of the 2024-25 season, were unveiled today as part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony preparations.
The prestigious award, presented by France Football, recognises outstanding managerial achievements at both club and international levels.
The nominees were announced on the official L’Équipe website and app, with the winner to be crowned at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22.
The five nominees include Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique, Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick.
The others are Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Napoli’s Antonio Conte.
Enrique
The Spaniard guided PSG to a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph, with a 5-0 victory over Inter in the final. However, his Ousmane Dembele-inspired team fell short in the Club World Cup, losing 3-0 in the final to Chelsea.
Maresca
The Italian oversaw Chelsea’s remarkable Club World Cup victory, highlighted by a 3-0 win over PSG in the final and a UEFA Conference League triumph.
Slot
The Dutch coach enjoyed a stellar debut season, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title with a dynamic, attacking style, and ending Manchester City’s league dominance.
Flick
The German tactician steered Barcelona to a domestic triple of Spanish Super Cup, Copa Del Rey and La Liga, leveraging young talents like Lamine Yamal to revitalise the Catalan giants.
Conte
The Italian manager led Napoli to the Serie A title, showcasing his trademark defensive solidity and tactical acumen.
