Former Chelsea coach Hayes named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach | OneFootball

USA head coach Emma Hayes has been named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year for 2024.

This is the second time the former Chelsea boss has won the individual award and the second recognition for her this year after she won the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

In the calendar year, the 48-year-old guided Chelsea to a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title and in just her 10th game in charge of the USA national team, Hayes’ side beat Brazil 1-0 at the Olympic Games to claim gold for the first time in 12 years.

Three members of the USA side have been included in the Best FIFA Women’s 11: captain Lindsey Horan, defender Naomi Girma and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

Hayes was quick to thank both Chelsea and the USA for their part in her medal-laden 12 months:

“It’s been an amazing year on many levels, but my overriding emotion is gratitude. I want to thank everyone who has been on this journey with us, especially the players, coaches and staff from Chelsea and the USWNT.

“In the middle of 2023, I never thought I would be sitting here as part of a gold medal-winning team, but I’ve loved working with the players and I’m very excited about 2025 and executing our WNT strategy. It’s going to be an exciting time for the players as we continue to build on what we accomplished in 2024.”

U.S. Soccer CEO and Secretary General JT Batson added: “We really appreciate the joy and energy Emma has brought to the team and U.S. Soccer. Emma’s dedication to our players, staff and everyone who cares about soccer in the United States is inspirational and she is so deserving of this award.”

Hayes becomes the fourth USWNT head coach to be named the Best FIFA Women’s Coach, after Jill Ellis won the award in 2015 and 2019, and Pia Sundhage in 2012