Emma Hayes was shocked – and a little embarrassed – when her name was called out as the winner of the Fifa Best Women’s Coach of the Year – but the Chelsea boss hopes more global exposure for women’s football will follow as a result.
Hayes, who led her side to a first domestic treble and first Champions League final in 2021, said it made her feel “uncomfortable” to win the award, but it was testament to her team’s success.
Alongside Hayes, Chelsea defenders Magdalena Eriksson and Millie Bright were named in the women’s Best XI.
“There are so many different, amazing coaches that are deserving of these awards. They always create more controversial conversations around it,” added Hayes.
“I’m a bit uncomfortable with it to be honest, however, I’m happy to receive it. I’m a team player. I feel like I believe in the team awards. I’m grateful for the brilliant people here at Chelsea that allow me to do my job every day.”
Eyebrows were raised when Canada’s English head coach Bev Priestman missed out on the final three candidates despite leading her country to a first Olympic gold in the summer.
There were also glaring omissions in the Best XI with no Barcelona player included despite them winning the Champions League and a domestic league and cup double.
Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas won the individual Women’s Player of the Year award, having won the Ballon d’Or in November, but was strangely not included in the Best XI.
Asked whether more exposure was needed to gain better recognition, Hayes said: “The game’s growing. We need even more media profile and presence. We can’t just talk about media profile in some parts of the world, but all of the world.
“Coaches, captains and media worldwide are voting for this. Maybe we spend too much time talking about awards instead of focusing on growing our game so more countries are exposed and we use that as a starting point.
“I think our league has done really well at selling rights all over the world. We need to talk about how we can get more women’s football into people’s lives across the globe so they become synonymous with more players as opposed to the ones they instantly recognise as the most famous ones.”