Aston Villa confirmed on 8 September that Unai Emery has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or Coach of the Year award. The recognition places the Spaniard among the leading managers in world football for the past season.
The club announced the nomination through its official channels, underlining the esteem in which Emery's work at Villa Park is held beyond the Premier League. No further details regarding the ceremony date or the full list of nominees were included in the announcement.
Emery's inclusion on the shortlist follows a period in which he has established himself as one of the most respected coaches in European football. The Ballon d'Or coaching prize is awarded annually to the manager judged to have delivered the most outstanding body of work over the preceding campaign.
A winner will be crowned at the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Emery will learn whether his efforts have been deemed the best among his peers.
