England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman has been honoured with the Coach of the Year award, capping a remarkable year that saw the Lionesses crowned European champions under her leadership. The accolade, presented at the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, recognises Wiegman’s tactical excellence, leadership and continued success on the international stage. Goal
Wiegman’s award comes after she masterminded England’s successful defence of their UEFA Women’s Euro title in 2025, guiding the Lionesses to victory in a dramatic final — a campaign that captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. Her influence has been credited with strengthening England’s identity and consistency, both in major tournaments and across qualifying fixtures throughout the season. ESPN.com
The 56‑year‑old Dutch coach is no stranger to accolades. This year’s honour adds to a string of individual awards recognising her impact, including being named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach for an unprecedented number of times. Wiegman has now firmly established herself as one of the most decorated managers in women’s football history. theguardian.com
In accepting the award, Wiegman paid tribute not only to her own coaching staff but also to her players, who she described as “incredible competitors and professionals” throughout the season. Her leadership off the pitch has been equally lauded — inspiring belief, resilience and unity within the squad, qualities that proved crucial during tense moments at major tournaments. ESPN.com
England’s success under Wiegman has also had ripple effects across the women’s game, boosting interest in women’s football nationally and encouraging investment at grassroots and elite levels. The coach’s back‑to‑back European titles are a testament to her strategic nous and ability to consistently perform at the highest level. Goal
As the Lionesses set their sights on future challenges, including World Cup qualification and global competitions, Wiegman’s award highlights both past achievements and the expectations that lie ahead. With her blend of tactical acumen and motivational leadership, England fans will be hopeful that more success is on the horizon.
