Javier Aguirre, coach of the Mexican national team, became one of the biggest surprises among the seven coaches shortlisted for FIFA's "The Best" award as the best coach in the world in 2025.

Aguirre was included on this distinguished list for his work leading the Mexican national team, where he won the 2025 Gold Cup by defeating Panama and the Nations League by beating the United States, in a tournament where the Americans had dominated the previous three editions, which undoubtedly propelled him to contend for this universal distinction.

"Vasco" Aguirre was included alongside coaches of the caliber of Spaniards Luis Enrique of PSG, Roberto Martinez of Portugal, and Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, as well as German Hansi Flick of Barcelona, ??Italian Enzo Maresca of Chelsea, and Dutchman Arne Slot of Liverpool, all of whom work within the Union of European Association Football (UEFA).

It is true that simply being included on the shortlist represents an achievement for the Mexican coach, who rubs shoulders with the greats of Europe, but undoubtedly, to be chosen, he will have to surpass the performance of the Spaniard Luis Enrique, who won The Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup with a dominant PSG, but who fell just short of a perfect record by losing the Club World Cup final to Chelsea, managed by their rival in this competition, the Italian Enzo Maresca. Also featured is the German Hansi Flick, who restored Barcelona's lost prestige by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, in addition to defeating their arch-rivals Real Madrid in four Clasicos and reaching the Champions League semifinals in his first year on the Barca bench. Meanwhile, Arne Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title, dethroning Manchester City's reign in English football, as did Roberto Martinez, who guided Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title by defeating Spain.

On the other hand, Arne Slot won the Premier League title with Liverpool, ending Manchester City's reign, and Roberto Martinez led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title, where they defeated Spain.

Finally, Spaniard Mikel Arteta appears on the list of nominees, having led Arsenal to a Premier League runner-up finish for the third consecutive season and to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.