Spanish coaches dominate Ballon d’Or, have become football’s hottest commodity

Spain’s growing influence on world football will be on full display at Monday’s Ballon d’Or gala, when the sport’s top performers will be honoured at a glittering ceremony in London.

Four of the five nominees for the Johan Cruyff Trophy for men’s coach of the year are Spanish, as are two of the candidates for the women’s trophy.

The shortlists reflect how the country, after years of winning men’s and women’s titles, has turned into a major exporter of coaching expertise.

After decades in the shadow of Italian, English and German counterparts, Spanish coaches are now in high demand as both clubs and national teams seek to tap into the philosophy credited for Spain’s success on the world stage.