Wiegman first woman to be named Dutch coach of the year

Sarina Wiegman says she hopes to inspire the next generation of female football managers after becoming the first woman to be named Dutch Coach of the Year at an awards ceremony in the Netherlands.

The England manager, 56, was honoured at the annual sports gala staged by the country's Olympic and Paralympic committees in Arnhem on Wednesday.

She was named best women's coach of the year for a fifth time at the Fifa Best Awards on Tuesday and also won the women's coach of the year at the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards in September.

"I hope I can be an inspiration to a lot of people especially girls and women," wrote Wiegman on Instagram., external

"Especially the women who like coaches, I'd like to challenge to do it!"

Wiegman took on the role as England boss in 2021 and has guided the Lionesses to success at two European Championships, winning on home soil at Wembley Stadium against Germany in 2022 and then retaining their title by beating Spain on penalties this summer in Switzerland.

The Dutchwoman, who won the Euros with the Netherlands in 2017 during her four years as head coach of the national side, also led England to the World Cup final in 2023 but the Lionesses were beaten by Spain in Sydney, Australia.

"Go after your dreams," Wiegman added.

"It's such a beautiful profession: connecting people, getting the best out of yourself and your team, at any level."