The announcement of the 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees for the Men’s Team Coach of the Year has stirred significant debate—not just for who made the list, but for who didn’t. The absence of two high-profile names has dominated the conversation.
Pep Guardiola, who once again guided Manchester City through a dominant campaign, and Lionel Scaloni, the man behind Argentina’s historic World Cup victory, were both conspicuously left out of the five-man shortlist, prompting surprise across the soccer world.
While the selected candidates each had outstanding seasons, the omission of two of the sport’s most decorated managers has overshadowed the nominations themselves, raising questions about the criteria behind the selection process.
Who are the 2025 nominees?
The five nominated managers have each enjoyed a transformative year:
- Antonio Conte – Likely recognized for his immediate tactical impact at a new club.
- Luis Enrique – Guided Paris Saint-Germain to success in both Ligue 1 and Europe.
- Hansi Flick – Revived Barcelona with renewed energy and tactical clarity.
- Enzo Maresca – Oversaw a surprisingly strong season in his Chelsea debut.
- Arne Slot – Seamlessly transitioned into the Liverpool job after Klopp’s departure, maintaining competitive excellence.
Why were Guardiola and Scaloni left out?
The exclusion of Scaloni and Guardiola has led to widespread criticism of the award’s selection criteria. While Scaloni’s World Cup glory came in 2022, his continued work with Argentina and the enduring weight of that success made him a favorite in many eyes.
Meanwhile, Guardiola experienced a rare trophyless season with Manchester City, a notable departure from his typical dominance. While the club’s trophy case remained untouched, his unmatched managerial pedigree and innovative approach were still clearly on display throughout the campaign.
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Their absence could signal a changing of the guard in how coaching excellence is rewarded—perhaps favoring immediate impact over long-term dominance.
