Pere Romeu was crowned the first Barcelona women's coach to receive individual recognition, when he was named Best Coach at the Ballon d'Or Gala. The ceremony, which also included the presentation of the FIFA The Best award, celebrated the team's achievements in the 2023-24 season, in which the club achieved a historic "full of trophies" that included the Champions League, the Super Cup, the Queen's Cup and the F League.
The Barcelona women's team, under the direction of Romeu, remained undefeated in the Champions League, beating Olympique Lyonnais 4‑0 in the final. In the continental competition, players Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo scored a double each, while the team also won the Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid and the Copa de la Reina after beating Atlético de Madrid 3-1. In League F, Barça lost only one game, consolidating itself as the best team in Spain.
During his speech, Romeu combined English, Spanish and Catalan to thank his teammates and the coaching staff. He declared that the award “is a collective achievement” and that the success is due to the players, the staff and their own work. He also recognized the importance of his career in Catalan football, mentioning CP Sarrià, CE Hospitalet and Barcelona as key formative stages. In the end, he thanked his family and his partner for their constant support.
The award comes at a time of transition for the team. At the end of the season, Salma Paralluelo and other key players changed colors, while the club and Romeu continued the process of rebuilding the squad. The coach has promoted the integration of promising young players such as Aïcha Camara, Carla Julià and Clara Serrajordi, who have already established themselves in the first team. The club's management, headed by Marc Vivés and Jorge Gómez, maintains a vision of the future that is reflected in the continuity of the style of play and the commitment to the development of the base.
With this award, the Ballon d'Or recognizes a women's football coach for the first time, after Emma Hayes and Sarina Wiegman in previous editions. The distinction places Pere Romeu in the history of the club and women's football, marking a milestone that can inspire future coaches and players on the path to success.