Cesc Fabregas Makes History as Third Foreign Coach to Win Serie A Award

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Cesc Fabregas has etched his name into Serie A history after becoming only the third non-Italian manager to win the league’s Coach of the Year award, following his outstanding work with Como during the 2025/26 season.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder received the prestigious honour at the Gran Galà del Calcio AIC ceremony at Teatro alla Scala in Milan on Wednesday.

The Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) named Fabregas Serie A Coach of the Year, while Inter Milan were recognised as the league’s Club of the Year.

Lega Serie A confirmed Fabregas as the recipient of the “Allenatore dell’Anno” award, recognising his contribution to one of the most remarkable campaigns in Como’s recent history.

Under Fabregas, Como finished fourth in Serie A with 71 points, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

The achievement represents a remarkable rise for a club that has established itself among Italy’s leading teams under the Spanish coach.

Como finished behind champions Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma, but their fourth-place finish was enough to secure a historic place in Europe’s elite competition.

Fabregas’ achievement also places him in distinguished company.

Before him, only Sweden’s Sven-Göran Eriksson and Portugal’s José Mourinho had won the Serie A Coach of the Year award as non-Italian managers.

Eriksson became the first foreign winner after guiding Lazio to the Serie A title during the 1999/2000 season.

Mourinho later won the award in consecutive seasons after leading Inter Milan to major domestic and European success, including the historic treble during the 2009/10 campaign.

Fabregas, who transitioned from a decorated playing career into management, has now joined those two renowned coaches in Serie A history.

The 2026 Gran Galà del Calcio also recognised several other outstanding performers from the 2025/26 campaign.

Inter defender Federico Dimarco was named the overall best player of the season, while Como midfielder Nico Paz won the Serie A Young Player of the Year award.

The awards were largely determined by votes from professional footballers, who selected the best performers in their respective categories. The Goal of the Year award was the exception, with fans deciding the winner.

Fabregas’ recognition comes at the end of a transformative campaign for Como and further underlines his growing reputation as one of Europe’s emerging coaches.

The 39-year-old will now lead Como into their first-ever Champions League campaign, giving the club an opportunity to test itself against Europe’s biggest sides.

From former Premier League star to award-winning Serie A coach, Fabregas’ rapid rise on the touchline has added another major achievement to an already illustrious football career.