Chelsea managers Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes have been named FIFA Best manager of the year and FIFA Best women’s coach of the year, while Edouard Mendy was the men’s goalkeeper of the year.
Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge in January 2021 and had an immediate impact, starting his spell with a 14-game unbeaten run.
Former Borussia Dortmund and Paris St Germain head coach Tuchel also led Chelsea to the FA Cup final and a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.
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He was named on a seven-man shortlist alongside Antonio Conte, Hansi Flick, Pep Guardiola, Roberto Mancini, Lionel Scaloni and Diego Simeone.
Tuchel was shocked to receive the award from world football’s governing body.
He said: “It was a pretty normal day so far at the training centre, I’ve just come from training because we have a game (on Tuesday), but now you opened the envelope and said my name, it’s pretty surreal.
“I’m overwhelmed, I feel a bit uncomfortable actually. I enjoy the journey and I enjoy the club, it’s a good fit. The company on the journey is so good, so I’m grateful to have such supportive people around me, to feel so good in such a competitive club.
“We’ve lost a bit of track to Manchester City in the (Premier) League, but in other competitions we follow our goals still. We try to be the best versions of ourselves and try to compete at the highest level. We’ll try our best to fulfil our dreams.”
Hayes meanwhile, guided the Blues to Women’s Super League and League Cup glory last season and steered the London side to the Champions League final.
She was named WSL manager of the season for her feats and was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours for services to football.
Hayes said she was taken aback at winning the accolade and paid tribute to her players and staff at Chelsea.
Speaking via video link at the ceremony, she said: “I’m completely shocked. It’s down to the players and the fantastic people who represent my work. Ultimately, the coach is only as good as the people they have around them.
“I’ve got brilliant people at Chelsea that have helped to support the team to the place we’re at. Honestly, I’m absolutely shocked right now.”
Mendy is in his second season at the Premier League club after joining from Rennes in September 2020.
The Senegal international had been nominated alongside Italy and AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Germany and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.
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