Emma Hayes has added yet another prestigious accolade to her career, becoming the first-ever winner of the Ballon d’Or for Women’s Coach of the Year. This award, newly introduced by France Football, recognizes the exceptional achievements of coaches, traditionally extending its scope beyond players to also honor those leading teams to greatness. Hayes’ triumph reflects her extraordinary success at both club and international levels, marking a historic year in her coaching career.
The year 2024 saw Hayes leading Chelsea to yet another milestone while transforming the fortunes of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). Her achievements with Chelsea include securing a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) title, solidifying the club’s dominance in English football. However, it was her impact on the USWNT that stole the spotlight, as she guided the team to Olympic gold at the Paris Games, completing an impressive turnaround for a team in desperate need of rejuvenation.
A Historic Turnaround with the USWNT
Hayes took charge of the USWNT during a tumultuous period. The team, historically one of the most successful in women’s football with four World Cup titles, was struggling to maintain its edge. The 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand had ended in disappointment, with the team exiting in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Sweden. The performance was marked by uncharacteristic struggles, including slow play and a lack of cohesion, signaling the need for significant changes.
Adding to the difficulties, the USWNT’s earlier campaigns had also shown signs of decline. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, they managed only a bronze medal after looking overmatched for much of the tournament. The problems came to a head earlier in 2024 when the team suffered a shocking home loss to Mexico, the first such defeat in their history.
Hayes’ arrival injected fresh energy and tactical precision into the team. She swiftly implemented a dynamic and aggressive playing style, emphasizing speed, teamwork, and creativity in the attack. Her efforts were evident during the Paris Olympics, where the USWNT scored 12 goals throughout the tournament, the highest among all participating teams. The attacking trio of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman emerged as a potent force, collectively netting ten goals—more than any other team managed.
The USWNT’s defense also showed marked improvement under Hayes, conceding only two goals across the entire tournament and keeping clean sheets in all knockout stage matches. Their crowning moment came in the gold-medal match against Brazil, where a solitary goal from Swanson secured a 1-0 victory and the coveted Olympic title. Hayes became only the second coach in USWNT history, after Anson Dorrance, to win every game in their first major tournament in charge.
Reflecting on the achievement, Hayes expressed gratitude to both her former club and her national team, emphasizing the collective nature of success in football. “Football is a team game,” she said. “This award belongs to everyone players, staff, and all who supported us at Chelsea and the USWNT.”
Club Success with Chelsea
Hayes’ impact was not limited to international football. At Chelsea, she continued to build on a legacy of dominance in the domestic league, securing the club’s fifth consecutive WSL title in May 2024. Her ability to maintain Chelsea’s success over the years has been a testament to her tactical acumen and leadership skills. Balancing her responsibilities at both club and international levels, Hayes ensured that Chelsea remained at the forefront of English and European football.
Under her guidance, Chelsea developed into a formidable force, known for their relentless style of play and tactical flexibility. Players thrived under her system, with the squad consistently displaying high levels of technical skill and mental resilience. Hayes’ ability to inspire and nurture talent has been a key factor in Chelsea’s sustained success, contributing to the club’s reputation as one of the best in the world.
The Inaugural Ballon d’Or for Coaches
France Football’s decision to introduce the Ballon d’Or for coaches reflects the growing recognition of the critical role managers play in the modern game. While the Ballon d’Or has long celebrated the achievements of individual players, the new award acknowledges the strategic vision and leadership required to guide teams to victory. In its inaugural year, the award went to two exceptional figures in football: Emma Hayes for the women’s game and Carlo Ancelotti for the men’s.
Hayes’ win is a testament to the growing visibility and importance of women’s football on the global stage. Her ability to succeed at both club and international levels underscores the evolving demands of coaching, where balancing tactical innovation with player management has become more crucial than ever.
Ancelotti, another coaching legend, was honored for his achievements with Real Madrid, further cementing his status as one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport. His counterpart in the women’s game, Hayes, has now earned a place among the coaching elite, her accomplishments serving as a beacon for aspiring coaches around the world.
Looking Ahead: Building on Olympic Success
With the Olympic gold medal in hand, Hayes is focused on the future, aiming to build on the momentum generated in Paris. The USWNT remains unbeaten in 12 matches under her leadership, having recently secured victories against Iceland in two friendly encounters. Hayes hopes that the Olympic triumph will mark the beginning of a new era for the team, as she seeks to guide them to further glory in upcoming competitions.
In her message to the players, Hayes emphasized the importance of creating lasting memories together. “Olympic gold is, I hope, just the beginning of an amazing time,” she told the team, expressing her belief in their potential for even greater achievements. The blend of youth and experience in the squad provides a strong foundation, with players like Swanson, Smith, and Rodman expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s future endeavors.
As Hayes continues to shape the team’s identity, her vision extends beyond winning titles. Her focus on fostering a positive and inclusive team culture reflects her understanding of the broader responsibilities of a coach. Hayes aims to inspire her players not only to excel on the pitch but also to serve as role models, promoting the values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.
A New Chapter in Women’s Football
Emma Hayes’ achievements with Chelsea and the USWNT mark a significant chapter in the history of women’s football. Her ability to lead two teams to major successes in the same year exemplifies the growing opportunities and challenges faced by coaches in the women’s game. As the sport continues to evolve, figures like Hayes are breaking new ground, demonstrating that success in football requires more than just tactical expertise it demands vision, passion, and the ability to inspire those around you.
In addition to Hayes’ recognition, the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony highlighted the growing influence of Spanish football. Aitana Bonmatí claimed her second consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or for her performances with Barcelona and Spain, while Rodri became the first Manchester City player to win the men’s award. Barcelona and Real Madrid were also named the women’s and men’s clubs of the year, respectively, underscoring the dominance of Spanish football at both domestic and international levels.
As women’s football continues to gain prominence, the achievements of coaches like Emma Hayes serve as an inspiration to the next generation of players and managers. Her success reflects not only personal excellence but also the progress being made toward greater recognition and equality in the sport. With the Ballon d’Or for coaches now firmly established, Hayes’ legacy is poised to inspire future winners, setting a new standard for what can be achieved in the beautiful game.
