The head coach of the England women’s football team, Sarina Wiegman, has been given honorary status in King Charles III’s New Year’s honors list.
The 56-year-old Dutch coach led the Lionesses to a second straight European Championship title this summer, having also guided the team to the 2023 World Cup final.
“When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I experienced from the English people. I thank the fans so much for their support,” said Wiegman.
“Our team values mean that when there is recognition for one person, there is also recognition for everyone.”
READ ALSO: England women bounce back from Brazil defeat with a 3-0 friendly win over Australia
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, the ice dancing duo that won a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, also received top honors, with Torvill receiving a damehood and Dean a knighthood. Retired marathoner Paula Radcliffe was appointed Officer of the British Empire (OBE).
Pioneer footballer Kerry Davis, who became England’s first black women’s football international in 1982 and won 90 caps in a 16-year international career, was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE).
Awards are presented by the King or another member of the Royal Family during ceremonies throughout the year.
Published on December 30, 2025
