ÚLTIMA HORA: Carlos Corberán, entrenador del Valencia CF, ha ganado el prestigioso Premio a la Excelencia y Contribución Excepcional al… Leer más

JUST IN: Carlos Corberán, Valencia CF Coach, Has Won the Prestigious Award for Excellence and Exceptional Contribution to the Development of Spanish Football

Valencia, May 6, 2025 — In a momentous announcement late Tuesday evening, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) bestowed its highest coaching honor—the Award for Excellence and Exceptional Contribution to the Development of Spanish Football—upon Valencia CF head coach Carlos Corberán. The accolade, presented at a gala ceremony in Madrid, recognizes Corberán’s transformational impact on both his club and the broader tactical landscape of La Liga.

The Award for Excellence, now in its tenth year, honors a coach whose achievements transcend mere results, celebrating innovation, leadership, and positive influence on the game’s evolution in Spain. Corberán—who took over a struggling Valencia side in December 2024 and guided them from the relegation zone to a comfortable mid-table position—was selected by a panel of former players, veteran coaches, and federation officials. His brand of high-pressing, possession-based football, coupled with his emphasis on youth development, marked him as this year’s standout recipient.

In his acceptance speech, Corberán reflected on his rapid integration into Valencia’s project. “This award is not mine alone,” he said. “It belongs to the players who bought into our vision, to the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and to the supporters whose passion fuels us every day. I’m deeply honored to represent Valencia CF on this stage.” He then paid tribute to his own mentors, including Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola, whose philosophies informed his coaching ethos.

Valencia CF president Ana María Martínez lauded Corberán’s achievement as a milestone for the club. “Carlos has reignited pride in our city,” Martínez stated. “From the stunning 2–1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu to integrating academy graduates into the first team, his leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary. Tonight, all of Valencia celebrates alongside him.” She also confirmed that the club’s board will reward Corberán with a performance bonus and plans to expand his coaching team to sustain Valencia’s upward trajectory.

Players were quick to congratulate their coach. Striker Hugo Duro said, “He’s the reason I’ve taken my game to a new level. His faith in young players gave me the confidence to seize my opportunities.” Midfielder Diego López added, “Carlos pushes us harder than we knew we could work. His clarity and belief unite us, and this award proves we’re on the right path.”

RFEF technical director Javier López emphasized that Corberán’s recognition sends a message to aspiring coaches: “Innovation and commitment to youth are essential for Spanish football’s future. Carlos embodies these values, and we are proud to honor his exceptional contribution.” The ceremony also featured tributes to past winners, including Luis Aragonés and Unai Emery, underscoring Corberán’s rapid rise among Spain’s coaching elite.

The timing of the award could not be more significant for Valencia CF, who face a crucial La Liga fixture this weekend against Sevilla FC. With morale boosted by the national honor, Corberán’s side will look to build on their current unbeaten run of five matches. Analysts predict that the coach’s spotlight moment in Madrid will galvanize both team and supporters as they push for European qualification.

As the celebrations wind down, all eyes now turn back to Mestalla, where Corberán will seek to translate this recognition into silverware. If recent form is any indication, Valencia—and Spanish football at large—may be witnessing the emergence of one of its most influential coaches in a generation.