Luis Enrique

Former Barcelona and Spain national team coach Luis Enrique led PSG to new successes after last year's sextuple. He successfully defended the Ligue 1 title, finishing 6 points ahead of Lens, and guided the team to the Champions League final.

If PSG defeats Arsenal in the final in Hungary on 30/5, they will become the ninth team to successfully defend the European Cup/Champions League title, joining Real, Benfica, Inter, Ajax, Bayern, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and AC Milan.

Mikel Arteta

The 44-year-old coach guided Arsenal back to the Premier League crown after 22 years. Arsenal finished the season 7 points ahead of runners-up Manchester City and 25 points clear of last season's champions, Liverpool.

If they defeat PSG in the upcoming Champions League final, Arteta will lead Arsenal to their first European pinnacle in the club's 139-year history. Arsenal's previous best performance in this competition was finishing as runners-up in 2006 under legendary coach Arsene Wenger.

Pep Guardiola

Despite only reaching the Champions League round of 16 and finishing second in the 2025-2026 Premier League, this does not diminish the prestige of one of football's most decorated coaches. His team defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final and Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final, concluding his 10-year tenure at Manchester City with 20 trophies.

The Catalan coach will always be remembered for leading Manchester City to a Champions League title, a treble, and a record four consecutive Premier League titles.

Unai Emery

Former Sevilla coach Unai Emery guided Aston Villa to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, securing a Champions League spot. He also delivered Villa Park's first European trophy in 44 years by crushing Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final.

Emery thus set a record of five Europa League titles, including three with Sevilla (2014, 2015, 2016), one with Villarreal (2021), and one with Aston Villa this season.

Andoni Iraola (right)

Former Bilbao defender Andoni Iraola did not win any trophies but led Bournemouth to their highest-ever Premier League finish, sixth place. This position also secured the 127-year-old club's first European qualification, for the Europa League.

The 43-year-old coach departed immediately after the 2025-2026 season amid rumors he is set to manage a major club.

Cesc Fabregas (right)

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas guided Como to a fourth-place finish in Serie A, earning a Champions League spot. This achievement marks a remarkable leap, considering the club was playing in Serie B during the 2023-2024 season. In addition to their Serie A success, Como reached the Coppa Italia semifinals, losing 2-3 to eventual winners Inter.

During his playing career, Fabregas played for Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Monaco, and was a key member of the Spain national team that won the 2010 World Cup, 2008 and 2012 Euros. The 39-year-old former midfielder won most major titles in his career, lacking only the Champions League.

Ngoc Tuan

Photos: AP, AFP