Is Wiegman the First Woman to be Named Dutch Coach of the Year?

Sarina Wiegman, the pioneering England manager, has made history by becoming the first woman to be honoured as the Dutch Coach of the Year, a recognition that underscores her significant contributions to women's football. With three UEFA European Championship titles to her name as an international coach, Wiegman is not just a trailblazer in her profession but also a beacon of inspiration for future generations of female football managers.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

At a recent awards ceremony in Arnhem, Netherlands, Sarina Wiegman received the prestigious title of Dutch Coach of the Year, marking a significant milestone in her career. This accolade comes shortly after she was awarded the best women's coach of the year at the Fifa Best Awards and the women's coach of the year at the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards. Wiegman's achievements highlight her exceptional leadership and success in women's football, especially as she continues to inspire future female coaches.

Key takeaways

Sarina Wiegman has won three UEFA European Championship titles as an international coach.
She became the first woman to be named Dutch Coach of the Year.
Wiegman aims to inspire young girls and women to pursue coaching roles in football.

Timeline: how we got here

Wiegman has had a remarkable trajectory in women's football, with key milestones including:

2017: Won the UEFA Women's Euro with the Netherlands.
2021: Became the head coach of the England women's national team.
2022: Led England to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro on home soil at Wembley Stadium.
2023: Guided the Lionesses to the FIFA Women's World Cup final, finishing as runners-up to Spain.
2023: Honoured as Dutch Coach of the Year.
2023: Received the best women's coach of the year at the Fifa Best Awards.
2025: Won the women's coach of the year at the Ballon d'Or awards.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Sarina Wiegman's recent accolade as Dutch Coach of the Year adds to her growing list of achievements in women's football. This recognition highlights her influence and success in a sector that is increasingly competitive and gaining visibility.

What was already established

Wiegman has consistently demonstrated her coaching prowess by leading teams to significant victories, including her historic run with the Netherlands at the 2017 Euros and her recent triumphs with the England team. Her focus on inspiring the next generation of female coaches has been a recurrent theme in her public statements.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Wiegman's achievements contribute to the growing popularity of women's football in the UK. Increased visibility of successful female coaches and athletes can inspire young girls to engage in sports, potentially leading to greater participation rates and interest in football among the youth.

Businesses and jobs

As women's football continues to grow, the demand for female coaches and staff in football clubs is likely to increase. Wiegman's success could prompt clubs to invest more in women's football programs and coaching development, creating more jobs and opportunities in the sector.

Policy and regulation

The recognition of female coaches like Wiegman may influence policy changes within football associations in the UK. Increased support for women's coaching initiatives and greater investment in women's football infrastructure are potential outcomes of this growing momentum.

Numbers that matter

3: Number of UEFA European Championships Wiegman has won as a coach.
5: Total times Wiegman has been recognised as the best women’s coach at the Fifa Best Awards.
1: The number of times she has led the Lionesses to the World Cup final.
56: Age of Sarina Wiegman, illustrating that success in coaching can come at any stage of life.

Definitions and jargon buster

UEFA: Union of European Football Associations, governing body for football in Europe.
Ballon d'Or: An annual football award presented by France Football, recognising the best male and female players.
Fifa: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body of football.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Wiegman’s recent awards will likely enhance her visibility in the media and public eye. This could lead to increased opportunities for workshops and speaking engagements that promote women in coaching.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Wiegman continues to inspire through her leadership, expect to see more initiatives aimed at encouraging female participation in coaching roles within football. Clubs and academies may launch programmes specifically designed to nurture young female talent.

Signals to watch

Upcoming announcements regarding coaching workshops aimed at women.
Increased recruitment of female coaches in youth and senior teams across the UK.
Changes in funding patterns for women’s football from governing bodies.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local football clubs to understand opportunities for female coaching roles.
Support initiatives that promote women's involvement in sports.

Don’t

Underestimate the importance of representation in coaching and management.
Ignore the potential impact of successful female coaches on the next generation.

Checklist

Research local coaching certification programmes available for women.
Attend women’s football matches to support local teams.
Look for mentorship opportunities from experienced female coaches.
Engage with community forums focused on women in sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Wiegman's achievements are monumental, it is essential to recognise that the path for women in coaching remains challenging. The number of female coaches at professional levels is still significantly lower than their male counterparts. Additionally, societal perceptions about women in leadership positions in sports may take time to evolve.

Bottom line

Sarina Wiegman's recent accolades solidify her position as a leading figure in women's football, both as a coach and an advocate for female representation in the sport. Her journey continues to inspire women and girls to pursue their dreams in coaching and sports management.

FAQs

What is Sarina Wiegman's coaching history?

Sarina Wiegman has been a prominent figure in women's football, winning three UEFA European Championships and successfully leading the England women's national team since 2021.

Why is Wiegman's recent award significant?

Wiegman's recognition as Dutch Coach of the Year is significant as it marks a pivotal moment for female coaches in football, highlighting the increasing visibility and respect for women's contributions to the sport.

How can aspiring female coaches get involved?

Aspiring female coaches can start by seeking local coaching certifications, volunteering at football clubs, and participating in mentorship programs to gain experience and build networks.