Sarina Wiegman, manager of the England women’s football team, has made history by becoming the first woman to be named Dutch Coach of the Year. The 56-year-old was honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony in Arnhem, hosted by the Netherlands’ Olympic and Paralympic committees.

Historic Recognition

Wiegman has enjoyed a remarkable coaching career, and this latest accolade adds to a series of recent achievements:

• Named best women’s coach of the year at the FIFA Best Awards for a fifth time earlier this week
• Won the women’s coach of the year award at the 2025 Ballon d’Or in September

Following the announcement, Wiegman shared her hopes to inspire the next generation of female football managers:

“I hope I can be an inspiration to a lot of people, especially girls and women. Especially the women who like coaches, I’d like to challenge to do it!”

England Success Under Wiegman

Wiegman took over as England head coach in 2021, and under her guidance, the Lionesses have enjoyed historic success:

• Euro 2022 champions – defeating Germany 2-1 at Wembley Stadium
• Euro 2025 champions – retained the title by beating Spain on penalties in Switzerland
• Reached the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, Australia, narrowly losing to Spain

Wiegman also enjoyed success with the Netherlands national team, leading them to the Euro 2017 title during her four-year tenure as head coach.

Inspiring Future Female Coaches

Wiegman emphasized the importance of pursuing dreams and fostering leadership among women in football:

“Go after your dreams. It’s such a beautiful profession: connecting people, getting the best out of yourself and your team, at any level.”

Her career highlights not only her tactical and managerial expertise but also her commitment to promoting women’s participation and leadership in football.

Legacy and Impact

Sarina Wiegman’s recognition as Dutch Coach of the Year underscores her trailblazing role in women’s football, inspiring aspiring coaches worldwide. With multiple European titles and a World Cup final under her belt, she continues to be a symbol of excellence, determination, and leadership in the sport.