Photo: sportsration
FIFA has revealed the list of leading contenders for the 2025 Best Men’s National Team Coach award. The nominees include managers who have guided their teams to historic triumphs and major trophies in both club and international football over the past year, the organization announced.
Javier Aguirre, currently in his third spell as Mexico’s head coach, led the team through an exceptional year. Under his guidance, Mexico claimed its first-ever CONCACAF Nations League title in March, defeating Panama 2–1 in Los Angeles. Four months later, the Mexicans defended their CONCACAF Gold Cup crown for the first time since 2011, coming from behind to beat the United States in the final in Houston.
Portugal’s Roberto Martínez also enjoyed a remarkable season, as his team became the first to win the UEFA Nations League twice. Portugal overcame Denmark in the quarterfinals, Germany in the semifinals, and defeated Spain on penalties to secure another international title.
Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain made history by winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the Trophée des Champions — and most notably, the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title. PSG demolished Inter 5–0 in the final, becoming the first French team to complete a continental treble. Enrique was also named Ligue 1 Manager of the Year by the French Professional Footballers’ Association.
Spanish coach Mikel Arteta continued Arsenal’s resurgence, finishing second in the Premier League with the best defensive record and reaching the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the first time in 16 years, where they fell to eventual winners PSG.
Barcelona’s new coach, Hansi Flick, guided the Catalan side to a domestic treble — winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa — while scoring 102 goals across the season, the highest tally in Spain’s top division since 2017. The team also reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Another strong contender is Enzo Maresca, who, in his debut season with Chelsea, captured both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. His team defeated Real Betis in the Conference League and later beat PSG 3–0 in the Club World Cup final.
Liverpool’s new boss, Arne Slot, is also on the shortlist after leading the Reds to their 20th English league title, losing only one of their first 30 league matches. He was named Premier League Manager of the Season and won the League Managers Association’s Manager of the Year award.
All nominees achieved outstanding results across club and international competitions. The winner of the FIFA Best Men’s National Team Coach 2025 award will be announced during the The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony.
