Arne Slot has been nominated for Men’s Coach of the Year at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, following his incredible debut campaign in charge of Liverpool.
Slot may have been considered an unlikely candidate when he first emerged among the contenders to replace Jurgen Klopp, but none would argue against it now.
Taking the role following links with the likes of Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim, the Dutchman went on to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title along with the final of the Carabao Cup.
He is now considered one of the very best coaches in world football, and has been named among five nominees for Coach of the Year at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Antonio Conte (Napoli), Luis Enrique (PSG), Hansi Flick (Barcelona) and Enzo Maresca (Chelsea) are also up for the prize.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on September 22, with Enrique likely to be considered the favourite having led PSG to triumph in Ligue 1, the Champions League, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 25, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot kisses the trophy, as the team celebrate becoming Champions for the 20th time, after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But Slot should be strongly considered following his remarkable impact at Liverpool, particularly given their performances in the Premier League and Champions League.
A number of Liverpool players are expected to be nominated for the main Ballon d’Or prize, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch obvious candidates.
Alisson has been named among 10 goalkeepers up for the Yashin Trophy, though no Liverpool player is up for the Kopa Trophy for U21s.