Sarina Wiegman is a Dutch football manager and former player who currently serves as the head coach of the England women’s national team, a position she has held since September 2021. As of 2026, Wiegman is widely considered the most successful coach in the history of international women’s football, having led two different nations to three consecutive UEFA Women’s Championship titles (Netherlands in 2017, and England in 2022 and 2025) and reaching two FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. Her historic achievements include being the first manager to lead a team to back-to-back European titles with different countries and receiving an honorary Damehood (DBE) in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours list for her services to British football.
Early Life and Playing Career
Sarina Petronella Wiegman was born on October 26, 1969, in The Hague, Netherlands. Growing up in an era where girls were often barred from organized football clubs, she famously cut her hair short to play alongside her twin brother, Tom, on local boys’ teams. Her determination saw her join a girls’ side at age 11, and by 16, she was already representing the Netherlands national team, marking the start of a legendary playing career.
Wiegman’s development was significantly shaped by a year spent in the United States playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels under legendary coach Anson Dorrance in 1989. Returning to the Netherlands, she became a foundational figure for Ter Leede, winning the Dutch championship and the KNVB Cup while balancing her football career with a full-time job as a physical education teacher. She retired in 2003 as the first Dutch player to earn over 100 caps, a milestone later officially revised to 99 due to non-FIFA affiliated opponents, though her status as a pioneer remains undisputed.
Transition to Elite Coaching
Wiegman began her managerial journey in 2006 with her former club, Ter Leede, where she immediately secured a league and cup double. Her success caught the attention of the newly formed Women’s Eredivisie, leading her to ADO Den Haag in 2007. Over a seven-year tenure, she transformed the club into a powerhouse, winning the Eredivisie title in 2012 and back-to-back KNVB Cups in 2012 and 2013.
In 2014, she transitioned to the international stage as an assistant coach for the Netherlands. By 2016, she became the third Dutch woman to earn the UEFA Pro Licence and served as a pioneer by becoming the first woman to coach at a Dutch men’s professional club as an assistant at Sparta Rotterdam. These diverse experiences—from the grassroots to the men’s professional game—forged the pragmatic and analytical coaching style that would soon dominate Europe.
The Netherlands: European Glory and World Cup Final
Wiegman was appointed permanent head coach of the Netherlands in January 2017, just six months before they hosted the UEFA Women’s Euro. Under intense pressure, she implemented a fast-paced, attacking 4-3-3 system that captured the nation’s imagination. The “Oranje Leeuwinnen” won every single match of the tournament, defeating Denmark 4-2 in a thrilling final to secure their first-ever major trophy and catapulting Wiegman to global stardom.
She proved this success was no fluke by guiding the Netherlands to the final of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Although they ultimately fell to a dominant United States side, Wiegman’s ability to navigate high-stakes knockout rounds became her trademark. By the time she departed the role in 2021 to join England, she had maintained a win percentage of over 70%, leaving behind a legacy as the greatest coach in Dutch women’s football history.
Leading the Lionesses: Euro 2022 and 2025
Sarina Wiegman’s arrival in England in September 2021 marked the beginning of a golden era for English football. Inheriting a talented but underperforming squad, she immediately instilled a “culture of honesty” and tactical discipline. Her first major test was the home Euro 2022, where she led the Lionesses to a historic victory at Wembley Stadium, ending England’s 56-year wait for a major senior international trophy.
Following a runner-up finish at the 2023 World Cup, Wiegman further cemented her legend by successfully defending the European title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. This victory made her the first coach ever to win three consecutive European Championships. Her 2026 statistics show a continued dominance, with England remaining a top-ranked global force as they prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Tactical Philosophy and Leadership
Wiegman’s coaching is built on the pillars of direct communication, “de-personalized” tactics, and psychological safety. She is known for her “steely” sideline demeanor and her willingness to make ruthless decisions, such as dropping long-term captains or shifting formations mid-tournament to exploit opposition weaknesses. Her players frequently credit her with removing the “fear of failure,” allowing them to play with freedom and joy.
Key tactical elements of her 2025-2026 England side include:
High-Intensity Pressing: Using advanced forwards to disrupt play early.
Positional Versatility: Training players like Lauren James and Keira Walsh to operate in multiple roles depending on the phase of play.
The “Double Pivot” Evolution: Shifting between a single and double defensive midfield block to counter-attack transition-heavy teams.
Practical Information: Watching the Lionesses
For fans looking to see Wiegman’s England team in action during the 2026/27 season, here is the essential information:
Match Locations: Home games are primarily played at Wembley Stadium (London) or major regional hubs like St. Mary’s (Southampton) and King Power Stadium (Leicester).
Tickets: Available through the official England Football website. Prices typically range from £15 to £65 for standard matches.
Transport to Wembley: The stadium is easily accessible via the London Underground (Wembley Park Station on the Jubilee/Metropolitan lines).
What to Expect: A family-friendly, high-energy atmosphere with dedicated fan zones opening 3 hours before kick-off.
Visitor Tips: Arrive early to witness the team bus arrival, a popular tradition for Lionesses fans.
FAQs
What is Sarina Wiegman’s contract status in 2026?
Wiegman is currently signed with the England FA until after the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She signed an extension in early 2024 to lead the team through the Euro 2025 defense and the next World Cup cycle.
Has Sarina Wiegman ever won the World Cup?
As a manager, she has reached two World Cup finals (2019 with Netherlands and 2023 with England) but finished as runner-up on both occasions.
How many times has she won the UEFA Women’s Euro?
Wiegman has won the tournament three times: 2017 (Netherlands), 2022 (England), and 2025 (England).
Is Sarina Wiegman a Dame?
Yes, she was awarded an honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for her exceptional services to football.
What was Sarina Wiegman’s playing position?
She primarily played as a central midfielder before transitioning to a defender later in her career.
Who is Sarina Wiegman’s husband?
She is married to Marten Glotzbach, a fellow football coach and economics teacher. They have two daughters, Sacha and Lauren.
What is her win percentage with England?
As of early 2026, Wiegman maintains a win percentage of approximately 70%, one of the highest in the history of the England national team.
Did she really pretend to be a boy to play football?
Yes, as a young child in the Hague, she cut her hair short to play on her brother’s team because girls were not permitted to join clubs at the time.
Where does Sarina Wiegman live?
While she maintains a home in the Netherlands, she spends most of her professional time in the UK, primarily based at St. George’s Park in Staffordshire.
Has she ever coached a men’s team?
She served as an assistant coach for the Sparta Rotterdam men’s team in 2016, becoming the first woman to do so in Dutch professional football.
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