Damian Vidagany speaks out as Unai Emery ‘deserved’ Ballon d’Or

Aston Villa Director of Football Operations Damian Vidagany has spoken out in support of manager Unai Emery after he missed out on the Men's Coach of the Year award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Emery was nominated alongside managers such as Luis Enrique, Vincent Kompany, and Mikel Arteta after guiding Villa to a Europa League final win over SC Freiburg, ending the club's 30-year major trophy drought.

The award was ultimately won by Spain national team coach Luis De la Fuente. Vidagany acknowledged De la Fuente as a fair winner while stating on social media that Emery deserved the honor for his work. Additionally, Villa's Johan Manzambi was nominated for Men's Young Talent of the Year, which went to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.