Who / What
Sarina Petronella Wiegman is a Dutch former footballer and current football manager, renowned for her international coaching achievements, particularly with the Netherlands women's national team and the England women's national team. She is widely recognized as one of the most successful women's football managers globally.
Background & History
Born in 1969 in the Netherlands, Wiegman began her playing career as a central midfielder before transitioning to defence. After retiring as a player, she transitioned into coaching, eventually leading the Netherlands women's national team to victory at UEFA Women's Euro 2017 and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019. In September 2021, she became the first woman to manage the England women's national team, making history by guiding them to consecutive finals in UEFA Women's Euro 2022 (won) and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup (runners-up).
Why Notable
Wiegman is historically significant as the first manager—male or female—to reach five consecutive major international tournament finals (Euro 2017, World Cup 2019, Euro 2022, World Cup 2023, and UEFA Women's Nations League 2024), establishing an unprecedented benchmark in women's football. Her tactical acumen and leadership have revitalized both the Netherlands and England teams, making them dominant forces in global football. She is also celebrated for her emphasis on player development and modernizing training methodologies, influencing the broader evolution of the sport.
In the News
As of 2024, Wiegman continues to manage England, leading them to the inaugural UEFA Women's Nations League title in March 2024. This victory reinforced her legacy as a transformative figure in women's football, with ongoing speculation about her future role as England seeks to sustain its dominance ahead of Euro 2025. Her achievements have sparked discussions about potential legacy projects to further advance women's football globally.
