As debut seasons go, Enzo Maresca’s at Chelsea was simply brilliant. Two trophies, a top-four finish, and an uncompromising tactical vision.
When Enzo Maresca arrived at Chelsea, it was a transitional period at the club.
Having finished 12th two seasons before, and left it late to make the top half the following campaign, there was a feeling of resentment brewing. It was time to start winning again.
And that’s what Enzo Maresca did.
Enzo Maresca head coach of Chelsea lifts the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
He had Chelsea competing for the title for a large part of the season before injuries and dips in form slowed the side down. Chelsea would end the season by lifting the Conference League trophy, before heading to the Club World Cup and doing the same there.
Now his efforts are being acknowledged.
Enzo Maresca nominated for Coach of the Year
After a dream debut season, Enzo Maresca is one of five managers nominated for Men’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place next month in Paris, where he will be seated alongside some of the world’s best coaches.
Maresca stands a chance of winning, though it will be the man he beat in the Club World Cup final, Luis Enrique, who has the best odds of a win after guiding PSG to a record-setting treble and first ever Champions League title.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
But Chelsea have another avenue to an award at the ceremony.
Cole Palmer nominated for the Ballon d’Or
Chelsea’s talisman Cole Palmer made the shortlist of 30 players nominated for football’s biggest individual award.
Surprisingly, no other Chelsea player made the list. Palmer won’t be preparing any speeches though, with a handful of players truly in contention.
READ MORE: How the Ballon d’Or could play huge role in whether Cole Palmer decides to stay at Chelsea
Cole Palmer celebrates scoring his side's first goal during Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Last year, Palmer controversially finished 25th in the award. The way he started this season, he looked like he was making a run for it, but poor performances in the second half of the Premier League campaign derailed any aspirations he may have had.
But the 23-year-old is yet to reach his prime, at which point he has every chance of contending for the title of world’s best.