Carlo Ancelotti named Men's Coach of the Year at Ballon d'Or ceremony as Real Madrid coach beats Pep Guardiola and Xabi Alonso to top prize

The Italian coach was honoured with the award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday. He earned the Johan Cruyff Trophy after guiding Real Madrid to Champions League and La Liga success last term.

The likes of Xabi Alonso, a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal winner with Bayer Leverkusen last season, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, Spain's Euro 2024-winning coach Luis de la Fuente, successful Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and Europa League champion Gian Piero Gasperini were all nominated for the prize, but it is the legendary Madrid boss who has taken home the top honour.

Ancelotti was not present to accept his award as his club had opted to boycott the ceremony. Despite Ancelotti's nomination and many Madrid players being nominated for the Ballon d'Or, the European champions refused to attend after it was reported that Vinicius Junior would not be named the world's best player, seeing Spain and City midfielder Rodri touted as the likely winner instead.

While Ancelotti took home the prestigious award, he will have his mind on ensuring his team bounce back from their weekend upset at the Santiago Bernabeu. The capital club were demolished 4-0 by fierce rivals Barcelona on home soil at the weekend, leaving them six points behind them in La Liga. Madrid are in action again on Saturday when they meet Valencia in the Spanish top-flight.