Sarina Wiegman made history on Wednesday as she became the first woman to win the Coach of the Year award at the NOC*NSF Sportgala, a landmark moment in Dutch sport and international football.
The England manager was recognized for guiding the Lionesses to a second successive European Championship title, sealed in Switzerland earlier this year, a triumph that confirmed her status as one of the most influential coaches in the modern game.
The award capped a remarkable week for Wiegman, who had already been named Women’s Coach of the Year at The Best FIFA Football Awards on Tuesday, underlining the global impact of England’s latest continental success.
NOC*NSF, the umbrella organization for sport in the Netherlands, hosts the annual Sportgala to honor the country’s standout performers and coaches across all disciplines. Wiegman’s victory placed her alongside a distinguished list of previous winners, including Louis van Gaal, Guus Hiddink and Bert van Marwijk.
In recent years, the award had been dominated by Eelco Meenhorst, the coach of the Dutch rowing team, who claimed the honor in each of the last two editions. Wiegman’s win marked a significant shift and a powerful statement about leadership in elite sport.
Her achievements with England continue to resonate beyond results alone. Two European titles have elevated the Lionesses into a sustained force, while Wiegman’s calm authority and tactical clarity have set new standards on and off the pitch.
Reacting to the award on social media, Wiegman said she hoped the moment would inspire girls and women, particularly those considering a career in coaching. She described coaching as a beautiful profession built on connection, growth and bringing the best out of a team at every level.
For England, the recognition adds further momentum as they look ahead to their next competitive cycle, with Wiegman’s influence now firmly etched into football history and the future of the women’s game.
