Sarina Wiegman has cemented her legacy as the most successful manager in women’s football history. She has reached five consecutive major tournament finals with two different nations. Therefore, she is widely regarded as the greatest coach the women’s game has ever seen .
From leading the Netherlands to European glory in 2017 to ending England’s 56-year wait for a major trophy at Euro 2022, her achievements are unmatched. As a result, she has become a national treasure in both the Netherlands and England .
Who Is Sarina Wiegman?
Sarina Petronella Wiegman was born on October 26, 1969, in The Hague, Netherlands. She grew up in a football-loving family and played grassroots football from a young age. Therefore, her passion for the game was established early on .
She studied at the University of North Carolina in 1989, where she played collegiate soccer. She later earned her UEFA Pro Licence in 2016, becoming only the third Dutch woman to do so. As a result, her tactical education was world-class [citation:1] .
Like Coleen Nolan has entertained audiences for decades, Wiegman has dominated the world of football management for nearly a decade.
Playing Career: 104 Caps for the Netherlands
Wiegman was a midfielder and defender for the Netherlands national team. She earned 104 caps between 1987 and 2001. She also captained her country before retiring while pregnant with her second child [citation:5] .
Before her international career, she played club football for Ter Leede and ADO Den Haag. Her playing experience gave her invaluable insight into the game. Therefore, she understood what players needed from a manager .
Like Harry and Meghan have broken royal traditions, Wiegman broke barriers as one of the first women to achieve top-level coaching success.
Coaching the Netherlands: Euro 2017 Glory
Wiegman began her coaching career at Ter Leede before moving to ADO Den Haag. She served as assistant coach for the Netherlands from 2014 before becoming head coach in January 2017. Just months later, she led the Dutch to victory on home soil at Euro 2017 [citation:1] .
She then guided the Netherlands to the 2019 World Cup final, where they lost to the United States. Despite the defeat, her reputation as a world-class coach was firmly established. Therefore, she became a target for top footballing nations .
Transforming England: Euro 2022 Champions
Wiegman was appointed England head coach in September 2021. Her task was clear: deliver a major trophy. She famously responded: “Absolutely. I am aware. I come here to bring the next level” [citation:5] .
She delivered in just ten months. England won Euro 2022 at Wembley, beating Germany 2-1 in the final. It was England’s first major tournament victory since the men’s team won the World Cup in 1966. Therefore, she became a national hero [citation:1] .
Like Simply Be transformed plus-size fashion, Wiegman transformed England into serial winners.
Euro 2025: A Third Consecutive Final
In July 2025, Wiegman led England to another European final in Switzerland. The Lionesses faced Spain in a dramatic final that went to penalties. England emerged victorious, securing back-to-back European titles [citation:2] .
This achievement made Wiegman the first manager in football history to reach five consecutive major tournament finals. She reached two with the Netherlands and three with England. Therefore, her record is truly unprecedented [citation:4] .
Like Trago Mills has stood the test of time, Wiegman’s winning formula has proven consistently successful.
Awards and Recognition
Wiegman has won multiple FIFA Best Women’s Coach awards and UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year titles. In October 2025, she was awarded the Johan Cruyff Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. She beat competition from Renée Slegers and Sonia Bompastor to claim the prize [citation:3] .
In her acceptance speech, she said: “With this recognition, we must assume our responsibility and try to maintain our identity. Be authentic, be inclusive, a place where everyone belongs. I hope we continue to fight together against misogyny and racism” [citation:2] .
Leadership Style: Calm, Caring and Ruthless
Wiegman is known for her calm demeanour on the sidelines. She rarely shows emotions during matches. However, she has become more expressive over time, even singing Dutch songs to her players after victories [citation:5] .
Players describe her as caring and “like a mum.” Beth Mead said: “We know she has our backs for every single moment of every single day.” However, she is also brutally honest when making difficult decisions, as former captain Steph Houghton discovered when she was dropped before the 2023 World Cup [citation:5] .
Like Jenny Ryan is known for her sharp quizzing skills, Wiegman is known for her sharp tactical mind and emotional intelligence.
What the FA Says: ‘Not for Sale’
The Football Association has made it clear that Wiegman is going nowhere. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said she is “not for sale at any price.” She is under contract until 2027 and remains fully committed to the Lionesses [citation:4] .
Bullingham praised her tournament record as “phenomenal” and added: “We’ve got a really special coach and I think we should all recognise that” [citation:4] .
Sarina Wiegman Net Worth
Sarina Wiegman net worth is estimated at approximately £3-5 million. Her income comes from her FA salary, endorsements, media appearances and her memoir, What It Takes: My Playbook on Life and Leadership [citation:1] .
She splits her time between residences in the UK and the Netherlands. She also supports charitable causes and initiatives to expand football coaching access to underrepresented communities [citation:1] .
Conclusion
Sarina Wiegman has redefined what is possible in women’s football management. With five consecutive major tournament finals, back-to-back European titles and numerous individual awards, her legacy is secure. Therefore, she is rightfully considered the greatest coach in the history of the women’s game.
As she continues to lead England towards the 2027 World Cup, her story is far from over. Consequently, football fans around the world will be watching her next chapter with great interest.
FAQs
How old is Sarina Wiegman?
She was born on October 26, 1969, and is 56 years old.
What is Sarina Wiegman net worth?
Estimated at approximately £3-5 million.
Is Sarina Wiegman married?
Yes, she is married. She keeps her personal life very private.
How many major finals has Sarina Wiegman reached?
She has reached five consecutive major tournament finals: two with the Netherlands (Euro 2017, World Cup 2019) and three with England (Euro 2022, World Cup 2023, Euro 2025).
What trophies has Sarina Wiegman won?
Euro 2017 with the Netherlands, Euro 2022 and Euro 2025 with England. She has also won multiple FIFA Best Women’s Coach awards.
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