Sarina Wiegman Achieves Historic Recognition as BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman, the esteemed manager of the England women’s football team, has once again made headlines by being named the BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year for 2025. This accolade marks her second win of this prestigious award, following her groundbreaking recognition in 2022, making her the first woman to achieve this honor on multiple occasions.
A Triumph on Foreign Soil
Under Wiegman’s guidance, the Lionesses secured their second consecutive European Championship title, triumphing over Spain in the Euro 2025 final. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time any England team, male or female, claimed a major trophy outside of their home country. The historical context of this achievement highlights the remarkable progress of women’s football in England, showcasing the talent and resilience of the players under Wiegman’s leadership.
Wiegman’s Journey to Success
Since taking over as England manager in September 2021, Wiegman has transformed the team into a formidable force. Her first major success came at Euro 2022, where England clinched the title against Germany, further solidifying her reputation as one of the leading figures in women’s football. Following that achievement, Wiegman led the Lionesses to the World Cup final in Australia in 2023, where they narrowly missed out on glory, losing 1-0 to Spain.
The Road to Euro 2025
During the Euro 2025 tournament, England displayed extraordinary determination, becoming the first team in the competition’s history to have three matches go to extra time. This resilience ultimately led them to the final, where they faced Spain once more. The match concluded in a tense draw, with England prevailing 3-1 on penalties, thanks in part to heroic saves by Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Wiegman’s success in reaching five consecutive major international finals places her in a league of her own, a feat unmatched in both men’s and women’s football.
Acknowledging Team Efforts
In her acceptance speech, Wiegman expressed humility and gratitude, emphasizing that this award reflects the hard work of her entire coaching staff and the players. She highlighted the unique camaraderie within the team, which she believes played a crucial role in their success. Wiegman’s message resonated with aspiring coaches, especially women, encouraging them to embrace their passion and impact the sport positively.
Recognition Beyond the Award
Wiegman’s achievements have not gone unnoticed globally. She has recently been honored as the Women’s Coach of the Year at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards and claimed the women’s coach prize at the FIFA Best Awards for an unprecedented fifth time. Her influence continues to inspire not only her team but also the broader landscape of women’s football.
Continuing the Legacy
Wiegman joins an elite group of coaches who have won the BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year award multiple times, including notable figures like Arsène Wenger and Sir Gareth Southgate. As the Lionesses aim for further success on the international stage, Wiegman’s legacy as a pioneering force in women’s football only continues to grow, paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research