CORNERFLICK
Luis de la Fuente has turned Spain into regular finalists since taking charge of the senior side, reaching the last game of every major tournament he has entered.
The 65-year-old led Spain to Nations League glory in 2023 after a penalty shootout win over Croatia, then guided them to the Euro 2024 title with a perfect run of seven straight wins, capped by a final victory over England.
Spain were back in another Nations League final in 2025, but lost on penalties to Portugal. They then reached the 2026 World Cup final, their first since 2010, when Vicente del Bosque took La Roja to the title.
De la Fuente also ended Spain’s long wait for a major trophy, restoring them to the top of European football after the 2012 European Championship.
His success has come with a new core of players, including Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Rodri and Pedri, while keeping Spain’s traditional possession game in place and adding more pace and power.