Sarina Wiegman has changed the story of women’s football in England. The Dutch coach led the Lionesses to European titles in 2022 and 2025, inspiring a new generation. Her success began long before Wembley. As a child, she fought for the chance to play in a team. She later balanced football, teaching and family. Her journey shows how talent, courage and careful leadership can change a sport.
Who Is Sarina Wiegman?
Sarina Wiegman Born on 26 October 1969 in The Hague, Netherlands, she is a former international player and the head coach of England’s women’s national team. She is 56 years old as of 24 October 2026 and turns 57 two days later. Her full name is Sarina Petronella Wiegman. She is also known as Wiegman-Glotzbach, using her husband’s surname. She took charge of England in September 2021, after leading her home country to its first Women’s European Championship in 2017. Her England contract now runs until the end of Euro 2029.
Sarina Wiegman Young: Childhood and Early Life
A Girl Determined to Play Football
Sarina Wiegman grew up loving football and often played in the streets with her twin brother. When she was six, she joined ESDO, a club where she played with boys. Girls faced limits in organised football. She even cut her hair short to make it easier to join boys’ games. Some opposed her playing. Some adults thought football was unsuitable for girls, but her parents stood by her. Their support shaped her confidence. She also played for Celeritas and KFC ’71 as her skills improved.
Her Education and Time in America
In 1989, she travelled to the United States to play for the University of North Carolina. She worked under leading coach Anson Dorrance and shared a team with future stars, including Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly. North Carolina won the college title. The experience opened her eyes to better training facilities and serious support for female athletes. She studied physical education and became a PE teacher. Her teaching skills would later help her explain tactics and build trust with players.
Her Career as a Netherlands Player
Sarina Wiegman played mainly in midfield and later in defence. She represented the Netherlands between 1987 and 2001 and served as national captain. Her career total is often given as 104 international games. An official count of 99 excludes five matches that did not meet later recognition rules. At club level, she played for Ter Leede, winning Dutch league titles and a domestic cup. She continued to teach while competing at a high level, as women’s football offered far less financial support than it does today. She retired from playing in 2003, but had no wish to leave the sport behind.
From PE Teacher to Successful Manager
First Coaching Jobs
Sarina Wiegman early coaching work included local youth teams and Ter Leede. In 2007, she guided the club to a league and cup double. She then took charge of ADO Den Haag’s women, winning major Dutch honours. In 2014, she joined the Netherlands national setup as an assistant coach. She gained her UEFA Pro Licence in 2016 and spent time learning in the men’s professional game at Sparta Rotterdam. It prepared her for a greater challenge.
Winning Euro 2017 With the Netherlands
Appointed national head coach in January 2017, she led the Dutch side at a European Championship on home soil. Her team played confident, attacking football and defeated Denmark 4–2 in the final. It was the Netherlands’ first title in the competition. Two years later, she took her country to the 2019 Women’s World Cup final. The United States won 2–0, but reaching the final proved her team could compete with the world’s strongest sides.
Sarina Wiegman and England’s Historic Rise
Euro 2022: Wembley Becomes a Landmark
Sarina Wiegman first major tournament with England changed the nation’s football history. The Lionesses defeated Germany 2–1 after extra time at Wembley, with Chloe Kelly scoring the winning goal. England had finally secured its first major women’s international trophy. The victory drew vast attention to the women’s game. Young players saw what was possible, while schools, clubs and national bodies faced fresh calls to offer girls better chances to play.
World Cup 2023 and Euro 2025
England reached the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Australia but lost 1–0 to Spain. The team also won the Women’s Finalissima against Brazil earlier that year, adding another trophy to its collection.
The Euro 2025 Final
At Euro 2025 in Switzerland, England faced tense knockout matches yet kept finding a way forward. The final against Spain finished 1–1 after extra time. England won the penalty shoot-out 3–1, giving the Lionesses a second straight European title. This result also made their coach the first to win three consecutive Women’s European Championships, after her earlier Dutch success.
Sarina Wiegman Husband and Partner
Her husband is Marten Glotzbach, a Dutch football coach and educator. He has worked in youth coaching and with ADO Den Haag’s women. Their shared love of football has shaped their life together, although they keep much of their marriage private. Marten supported her decision to leave secure teaching work and focus on full-time coaching. That choice involved risk, particularly with two children at home. His encouragement gave her the freedom to pursue the work she believed in. Their precise wedding date has not been firmly confirmed.
Sarina Wiegman Children
The couple have two daughters, Sacha and Lauren Glotzbach. Lauren played football for ADO Den Haag and left the club’s playing squad in 2025. Sacha has also been linked with football, although she lives outside the main sporting spotlight. Their mother rarely shares private family details. She has, however, spoken warmly about the support she receives from her husband and children. Family remains important even when international tournaments keep her away from home.
A Personal Loss Behind a Great Triumph
Her older sister, Diana, died from ovarian cancer shortly before Euro 2022. The two were very close. During England’s victory celebrations, the coach kissed a bracelet that reminded her of Diana. She later spoke about how grief affected her during the tournament. She found strength in memories of her sister and support from her colleagues. The moment showed a personal side to a manager known for staying calm under pressure.
Sarina Wiegman Salary and Net Worth
A 2024 England contract put her annual pay at about £1.25 million, according to major British sports coverage. That was a rise from the roughly £400,000 linked to her earlier agreement. She signed another extension in October 2026, with a further pay increase, but the exact amount has not been disclosed. Any fixed figure for her new salary would be uncertain. Her total personal net worth has not been independently confirmed either. Coaching earnings do not reveal the full value of someone’s assets or finances.
Her Coaching Style and Greatest Strengths
Sarina Wiegman combines firm standards with open communication. Players know what she expects, and she makes difficult selection choices when required. She also cares about their lives away from the pitch. That mix of honesty and support has helped England handle pressure in major matches. Her teams prepare carefully, defend with discipline and adjust tactics to suit different opponents. She trusts experienced players but also faces the task of developing younger talent. Her calm manner is especially clear when games move into extra time or penalties.
Awards, Honours and Her Book
Sarina Wiegman has won The Best FIFA Women’s Coach award five times: 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2025. She also received the Women’s Coach award at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony and the BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year prize in 2022 and 2025. In the 2026 New Year Honours, she received an honorary damehood for her contribution to football. As a Dutch citizen, she does not use the formal British title of Dame. Her 2023 book, What It Takes: My Playbook on Life and Leadership, explores her work, values and life experiences.
What Comes Next for the Lionesses?
On 19 October 2026, the Football Association confirmed that her England deal would last through Euro 2029. Before that tournament, the team must aim to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. In late 2026, England face Ukraine in a decisive two-legged play-off. A World Cup title remains an unfinished goal. Even without it, her record of five straight major tournament finals has earned her a lasting place in football history.
Why Her Story Matters
From a girl who had to overcome barriers just to play, Wiegman became a manager who helped change those barriers for others. Her achievements are measured in trophies, but her wider legacy is opportunity. She has shown that girls deserve the same chance to develop, compete and dream as boys. That message may prove as important as any final she wins.
