A Landmark Achievement for Women’s Football
Sarina Wiegman continues to set benchmarks in women’s football. The England women’s national team manager earned the BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year award in December 2025, just months after leading the Lionesses to retain their European crown. This victory over Spain in Switzerland not only solidified England’s dominance but also highlighted Wiegman’s exceptional tactical acumen and team-building skills.
Appointed in September 2021 after replacing Phil Neville, Wiegman quickly transformed the squad. Her first major success came at Euro 2022, where England defeated Germany 2-1 in a thrilling final at Wembley, delivering the nation’s first major women’s trophy. The momentum carried into the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where the Lionesses reached the final before a narrow 1-0 loss to Spain.
The Path to Euro 2025 Glory
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, hosted in Switzerland from July 2 to 27, showcased England’s resilience. The Lionesses demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit, becoming the only team in the tournament’s history to force extra time in three separate matches. Advancing to the final in Basel, they faced a formidable Spain side—the reigning world champions.
The showdown ended 1-1 after extra time, with Spain’s Mariona Caldentey opening the scoring and England’s Alessia Russo equalizing. In the penalty shootout, Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as the hero, saving crucial attempts to secure a 3-1 victory. Chloe Kelly slotted the decisive kick, echoing her iconic role in the 2022 final.
This win made England the first team—men’s or women’s—to claim a major international trophy on foreign soil. It also positioned Wiegman as only the second manager, after Germany’s Silvia Neid (formerly Theune), to win three consecutive European Championships. Her record extends further: guiding the Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title and the 2019 World Cup final, she became the first coach to reach five straight major international finals.
Wiegman’s Humble Reflection and Inspiration
Accepting the BBC award, Wiegman emphasized teamwork: “It’s an absolute honour to be here again. This award is for the players and staff. I’ve been part of a tremendous team—an incredible group.” She praised the squad’s unbreakable bond, stating, “What made the difference was that we were the best-bonded team. The togetherness was so special.”
Wiegman also issued an empowering message to aspiring coaches, particularly women: “Enjoy yourself, have fun. You can absolutely make a difference.” Her words resonate amid growing interest in women’s football, inspiring the next generation.
Broader Recognition and Historical Context
England’s Euro 2025 success propelled further honors for Wiegman. She claimed the women’s coach of the year at the 2025 Ballon d’Or and a record fifth FIFA Best Women’s Coach title. Additionally, young Lioness Michelle Agyemang earned BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, underscoring the team’s depth.
The BBC Coach of the Year award, introduced in 1999 with Sir Alex Ferguson as the inaugural winner for Manchester United’s Treble, has featured legends like Sir Clive Woodward and Claudio Ranieri. Wiegman now joins elite company, including multiple winners Arsène Wenger, Sir Dave Brailsford, and Sir Gareth Southgate.
Sarina Wiegman’s journey from the Netherlands to England’s helm exemplifies transformative leadership in women’s football. Taking over in 2021, she instilled a winning mentality that yielded immediate results. The Euro 2022 triumph at home galvanized the nation, boosting participation and viewership in the women’s game.
Building on that foundation, the 2023 World Cup runner-up finish tested the team’s mettle against top opposition. Yet, Euro 2025 in Switzerland proved the ultimate validation. Facing knockout pressure, England navigated extra-time battles with grit and precision. The tournament highlighted emerging talents like Michelle Agyemang, who contributed key goals alongside established stars such as Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, and Georgia Stanway.
The final against Spain was a clash of titans. Spain, fresh from their 2023 World Cup win, dominated possession early, with Mariona Caldentey’s header putting them ahead. England’s response—Russo’s equalizer—shifted momentum. Extra time brought end-to-end drama, but penalties decided the outcome. Hannah Hampton’s saves, combined with composed finishes from the Lionesses, sealed a historic retention of the title.
This achievement marked several milestones. England became just the second nation to defend the Women’s Euro crown, following Germany’s streak from 1997 to 2013. For Wiegman, it completed a remarkable hat-trick of European titles across two nations. Her five consecutive major finals appearances remain unmatched in women’s or men’s international football.
| Key Milestones Under Sarina Wiegman |
|---|
| 2017: Wins Euro with Netherlands |
| 2019: Reaches World Cup final with Netherlands |
| 2022: Wins Euro with England (first major trophy) |
| 2023: World Cup runners-up with England |
| 2025: Defends Euro with England (first away major win) |
Wiegman’s philosophy centers on unity and resilience. She credits the players’ bond as the defining factor in Switzerland, where comebacks became the norm. Her approach—blending tactical discipline with player empowerment—has elevated England’s status.
The 2025 accolades reflect this impact. Beyond the BBC honor, her Ballon d’Or and FIFA recognitions affirm her as the preeminent coach in women’s football. Breaking barriers, she became the first woman to win Dutch Coach of the Year, further inspiring inclusivity.
Previous BBC Coach of the Year recipients span eras: from Ferguson’s 1999 Treble to Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows’ shared 2024 award for guiding Keely Hodgkinson to Olympic gold. Wiegman’s repeat win places her among the greats, highlighting women’s football’s rising prominence.
| Notable Multiple BBC Coach of the Year Winners |
|---|
| Sarina Wiegman (2022, 2025) |
| Arsène Wenger |
| Sir Dave Brailsford |
| Sir Gareth Southgate |
As women’s football surges—evidenced by record attendances at Euro 2025—Wiegman’s legacy grows. Her call for more female coaches encourages diversity, ensuring the sport’s continued evolution. England’s success under her guidance not only celebrates current triumphs but paves the way for future generations.
The Lionesses’ foreign-soil victory symbolizes progress, proving England’s prowess beyond home advantage. With eyes now on upcoming challenges, including World Cup qualification, Wiegman’s influence promises more chapters in this inspiring story.
