---
title: "Unai Emery nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/08/unai-emery-ballon-dor-coach-of-the-year-2026/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-09-08T12:52:45Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T11:04:52Z"
---

# Unai Emery nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year

**Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has been nominated for the 2026 Men’s Coach of the Year award at the Ballon d’Or following his historic Europa League triumph last season.**

Emery has been named on a five-man shortlist alongside Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Komany and Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique.

The [official Ballon d’Or shortlist](https://ballondor.com/news/posts/mens-coach-of-the-year-discover-the-ballon-dor-2026-nominees?utm_source=chatgpt.com) credits Emery’s Europa League success as the achievement behind his nomination after Villa lifted the trophy in Istanbul during the 2025/26 campaign.

It represents another significant recognition of the transformation overseen by the Spaniard at Villa Park.

> 🎶 Here's to you, Unai Emery… 🎶\
> \
> The Boss has been nominated for the Men's Coach of the Year award 👏 [#ballondor](https://x.com/hashtag/ballondor?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/0Pq3lyjYwT](https://t.co/0Pq3lyjYwT)
>
> — Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) [September 8, 2026](https://x.com/AstonVilla/status/2097270710544498861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Unai Emery rewarded after Aston Villa Europa League triumph

Villa defeated Freiburg 3-0 in last season’s Europa League final to secure their first European trophy since winning the European Cup in 1982.

The success came alongside another fourth-place Premier League finish, securing Champions League football for a second time under Emery.

His achievements look even more impressive when placed alongside his wider Villa record.

Our [look at Unai Emery’s first 200 Aston Villa matches](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/06/unai-emery-aston-villa-record-200-games/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) shows the manager reached the landmark with 109 victories, having inherited a team sitting close to the Premier League relegation places in October 2022.

Villa have since qualified for Europe in every full season under Emery, reached the Champions League quarter-finals and become Europa League champions.

The latest recognition arrives on another significant day for the club.

Villa begin their new Champions League campaign against Club Brugge this evening, with Emery attempting to guide a heavily rebuilt squad through what he has already described as a [new chapter at Aston Villa](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/08/unai-emery-aston-villa-new-chapter-rebuild/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

## When is the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony?

The Coach of the Year winner will be announced during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on **Monday, 26 October**.

The event is moving from Paris to London for the first time as the Ballon d’Or celebrates its 70th edition.

Emery faces formidable competition, particularly from Champions League-winning PSG boss Luis Enrique and World Cup-winning Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.

Regardless of the eventual result, his inclusion among only five nominees reflects how far Aston Villa have travelled under his management.

Another Champions League campaign begins tonight with their manager now officially recognised among the leading coaches in world football.