Sarina Wiegman

Football Legend, Former Player, Manager who  Led the Lionesses to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 & Author of ‘What it Takes’

Sarina Wiegman’s Biography:

Sarina Wiegman is one of the most successful and respected figures in modern football, celebrated globally for her leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to inspire peak performance. As both a former international player and elite coach, she has transformed women’s football and become a role model for athletes, leaders, and professionals alike. Known for her calm authority and strong values, Sarina has guided teams to record-breaking victories, including leading England’s women’s national team to their first major international title at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro, followed by a historic back-to-back triumph in 2025.

Born in The Hague in 1969, Sarina began playing football as a young girl in a time when the sport was rarely accessible to women. Her determination and natural talent led her to the United States, where she played for the North Carolina Tar Heels, one of the top collegiate soccer programs in the world. Returning to the Netherlands, she enjoyed a distinguished playing career, earning 99 caps for the national team and winning domestic championships with Ter Leede. Her journey from those early days to becoming a global football icon exemplifies resilience, discipline, and a lifelong dedication to excellence.

After retiring as a player in 2003, Sarina turned her focus to coaching and quickly made her mark. She managed Ter Leede and ADO Den Haag, securing both league and cup victories while helping to professionalise women’s football in the Netherlands. Her leadership potential was soon recognised, leading to her appointment as assistant coach and later head coach of the Dutch women’s national team. Under her management, the Netherlands claimed their first-ever UEFA Women’s Euro title in 2017, inspiring a new generation of footballers and setting a precedent for success that would follow her career.

Since taking charge of the England women’s national team in 2021, Sarina has redefined English football culture through her focus on trust, collaboration, and strategic innovation. Her teams are known for their unity, attacking flair, and unwavering mental toughness. Beyond the pitch, she continues to shape the conversation on leadership, inclusion, and women’s empowerment in sport through her bestselling book ‘What It Takes: The Inspiring Journey of Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses’ Rise to Success. Her impact extends far beyond trophies as she has become a global symbol of progress, equality, and world-class leadership.

Why Hire Sarina Wiegman?

Sarina Wiegman is an exceptional keynote speaker who offers a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and high-performance culture. Drawing on her decades-long career in elite sport, she shares powerful lessons on how to inspire teams, handle pressure, and sustain excellence through trust, clarity, and collaboration. Her speaking style is engaging, insightful, and deeply authentic, reflecting the same calm authority that has defined her success on and off the pitch.

As the manager who led England’s Lionesses to historic victories at the UEFA Women’s Euro tournaments and one of the only coaches in history to win The Best FIFA Women’s Coach multiple times, Sarina brings unparalleled expertise in building world-class teams. She was also named Coach of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, a testament to her ability to unite and empower individuals toward a shared vision. Her insights transcend sport, offering invaluable takeaways for leaders, executives, and organisations striving to perform under pressure, adapt to change, and achieve extraordinary results.

Sarina Wiegman’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Sarina Wiegman’s milestones that influenced her inspirational career throughout sports:

• 2026 – Appointed an Honorary DBE for guiding the Lionesses to their second successive Euros title
• 2025 – Guided England’s women’s national team to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, securing back-to-back titles and making football history.
• 2025 – Named Best Women’s Coach in the World at the Ballon d’Or awards, recognising her exceptional leadership and global influence.
• 2023 – Published What It Takes: The Inspiring Journey of Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses’ Rise to Success, sharing her insights on leadership and resilience.
• 2023 – Led England to the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup and retained the Arnold Clark Cup, cementing her reputation for consistency at the highest level.
• 2022 – Awarded honorary CBE, BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award, and Freedom of the City of London after guiding England to victory at Euro 2022.
• 2017 – Led the Netherlands women’s national team to their first UEFA Women’s Euro title, igniting a golden era for Dutch women’s football.
• 2016 – Earned her UEFA Pro Coaching Licence, becoming one of the most qualified managers in international football.
• 2014 – Served as Assistant Coach for the Netherlands women’s national team, helping to develop a winning tactical framework.
• 2007 – Managed ADO Den Haag, where she won both the Dutch Cup and league titles, establishing herself as a top-tier manager.
• 1989 – Played collegiate football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, gaining exposure to elite-level training and international sporting culture.