Emma Hayes named Women's Coach of the Year at Ballon d'Or ceremony after guiding USWNT to Olympic gold and Chelsea to WSL title

Hayes was rewarded for her successful year at the helm of two different sides, claiming the Women's Coach of the Year at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Her USWNT team rolled through the Paris Olympics en route to a first Gold Medal in 12 years. Shortly before that, she led Chelsea to a fifth-straight WSL title.

Hayes was a marquee hire for the USWNT when she arrived last summer from Chelsea. The former Chicago Red Stars boss has coached 12 games for the U.S. and is yet to lose. Five USWNT players were named on the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d'Or Feminin, and four finished in the top 10.

Hayes expressed her pleasure at receiving the award in a statement: "It’s an absolute honor to be recognized for the achievements with both the U.S. Women’s National Team and Chelsea," she said. "I just want to say a big thank you to all the staff and players from both teams and I have some special praise for the other nominees. They are exceptional coaches and I’m proud to be in the same company as them. As we all know, football is a team game and I’m very grateful to have led some amazing teams this year, so this award is for everyone who has been a part of the U.S. team and Chelsea."

The head coach will oversee the USWNT on Wednesday as they take on Argentina in the third of a three-friendly slate. They beat Iceland twice last week to continue Hayes' undefeated start at the helm.