Pere Romeu named best coach

Pere Romeu was named best coach at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The award follows a previous season in which Barça won every trophy. In the final, Romeu’s team defeated OL Lyonnes 4-0.

The honour also represents a first for a coach from the club among the Ballon d’Or and The Best awards, Spanish media report. Romeu welcomed the recognition with emotion: “It’s a pleasure to be here tonight and also to receive this award, so thank you very much.” He then congratulated the other nominees, saying they had enjoyed excellent seasons and that any of them could have been standing there.

The coach was keen to describe the award as a collective achievement. “I feel this award belongs to the team, collectively,” he said, praising the players for continuing to work to help the club win despite the titles they have already claimed. He also thanked his staff, stressing that success depends on having outstanding players and a strong team around them. He said he wished they could all have been there with him.

Romeu also recalled the steps that brought him to the award. He named CP Sarrià, CE Hospitalet and Barcelona, as well as his time in Barça’s youth football system. Last season, he continued to support the development of that pathway.

The coach went on to thank his family, his parents and siblings, who respected his decision to become a coach when he was young. He also expressed gratitude to his partner, acknowledging that day-to-day life with a coach is not always easy.

For Romeu, then, the award recognises more than his work on the pitch. It also shines a light on the contribution of the players and staff, and on the journey that led to this honour.