Women’s Football 2025: Dutch Sarina Wiegman Named Best Coach in the World
- Khoshnaw Rahmani
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sport.
A Historic Honor for a Tactical Visionary
In a landmark moment for global sport, Sarina Wiegman has been officially named the Best Coach in Women’s Football for 2025, solidifying her status as one of the most influential figures in the modern game. The Dutch tactician, known for her calm leadership and strategic brilliance, continues to redefine what excellence looks like in women’s football — not just in the Netherlands, but across continents.
The award, presented by FIFA at the annual Football Awards Gala in Zurich, recognizes Wiegman’s extraordinary achievements with both the England Lionesses and her legacy with the Dutch national team, where she first rose to prominence.
From The Hague to Global Glory: Wiegman’s Journey
Born in The Hague in 1969, Sarina Wiegman’s football journey began as a player in the Netherlands’ early women’s leagues. After earning 104 caps for the national team, she transitioned into coaching with a clear vision: to elevate women’s football to the highest tactical and professional standards.
Her coaching career includes:
2017 UEFA Women’s Euro Champion with the Netherlands
2022 UEFA Women’s Euro Finalist with England
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Finalist with England
Multiple Coach of the Year honors across Europe
Wiegman’s style blends Dutch positional discipline with adaptive game management, making her teams both resilient and fluid. Her ability to build trust, foster unity, and deliver results under pressure has earned her admiration from players, pundits, and rivals alike.
Why Wiegman Won in 2025
This year’s award reflects not just past glories, but her continued impact on the sport:
England’s unbeaten run in 2024–25, including wins over Germany, Spain, and the USA
Youth integration: Successfully bringing in next-gen talent while maintaining elite performance
Tactical evolution: Shifting from a 4-3-3 to a hybrid 3-5-2 system to counter high-pressing opponents
Global influence: Her coaching philosophy is now studied in UEFA and FIFA training modules
Reactions from Around the World
Lucy Bronze, England defender: “Sarina doesn’t just coach — she transforms teams.”
Vivianne Miedema, Dutch striker: “She made us believe we could win. And we did.”
FIFA President: “Wiegman’s leadership is a beacon for the future of women’s football.”
Comparing Coaching Eras: Wiegman vs. Her Predecessors
Coach | Nation | Major Titles | Tactical Legacy |
Pia Sundhage | Sweden/USA | 2 Olympic Golds | High-tempo pressing |
Jill Ellis | USA | 2 World Cups | Squad rotation mastery |
Sarina Wiegman | Netherlands/England | 1 Euro, 2 WC Finals | Positional fluidity, youth integration |
Wiegman’s unique achievement is her success across two national teams, each with distinct cultures and expectations — a feat unmatched in women’s football history.
Impact on Dutch and English Football
In the Netherlands, Wiegman’s legacy is foundational. Her 2017 Euro win sparked a surge in youth participation, funding, and media coverage. In England, she’s elevated the Lionesses to global contenders, inspiring a new generation of players and coaches.
Her influence extends to:
Grassroots development: More girls entering academies
Media visibility: Increased coverage and sponsorship deals
Coaching standards: UEFA Pro License programs now cite her methods
What’s Next for Wiegman?
With the 2026 UEFA Women’s Euro on the horizon, Wiegman is expected to lead England into another competitive cycle. Rumors also swirl about a potential return to Dutch football in a technical director role, though she remains committed to her current squad.
A Coach Who Changed the Game
Sarina Wiegman’s recognition as the Best Coach in Women’s Football 2025 is more than a personal accolade — it’s a celebration of leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of sport. Her journey from Dutch midfielder to global icon reflects the evolution of women’s football itself: bold, strategic, and unstoppable.
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