Sarina Wiegman: The Elite Coach Who Changed England Women’s Football

Sarina Wiegman Biography
Sarina Wiegman is one of the most respected football managers in the world. Her full name is Sarina Petronella Wiegman DBE, and she is also known as Sarina Wiegman-Glotzbach. She is a Dutch football manager and former player who has led the England women’s national football team since September 2021.
Born on 26 October 1969 in The Hague, Netherlands, she grew up with a deep love for football at a time when girls did not always get the same chances as boys. That did not stop her. She played the game with passion, learned from every stage of her career, and later became a coach known for calm leadership, clear planning, and strong results.
Her journey from a young player in the Netherlands to England’s head coach is a story of hard work, patience, and belief. She has won major honours, led teams to historic finals, and become a symbol of progress in women’s football.
Sarina Wiegman Early Life and Football Start
Sarina was born and raised in The Hague, a city with a strong sporting culture. As a child, she loved playing football, but girls’ football was not as developed as it is today. She had to work harder to find her place in the game.
Her early years shaped her strong character. She learned discipline, teamwork, and respect for the sport. These values later became part of her coaching style. She has always believed that success comes from preparation, honesty, and trust inside the team.
As a young player, she played for clubs in the Netherlands before gaining experience in the United States with the North Carolina Tar Heels. That period helped her see football from a wider view. She learned new training methods, different tactical ideas, and the value of a strong team culture.
Sarina Wiegman Playing Career
Before she became a world-class coach, Sarina was a talented player. She played as a midfielder and defender, showing strong reading of the game and good leadership on the pitch.
She played for Dutch clubs such as KFC ’71 and Ter Leede. She also became an important player for the Netherlands women’s national team. She earned more than 100 caps for her country, which showed her quality, fitness, and long service to Dutch football.
Her playing career gave her a strong base for coaching. She knew what players needed from a manager because she had lived the life herself. She understood pressure, team spirit, dressing-room balance, and the small details that can decide big matches.
Sarina Wiegman Coaching Career
After finishing as a player, Sarina moved into coaching. This was where she truly made her mark. She did not become successful by chance. She built her career step by step and proved herself at every level.
Sarina Wiegman at Ter Leede
Her coaching work began with Ter Leede, a club where she already had strong roots. She learned how to manage players, build training plans, and prepare a team for competition.
This early coaching period helped her grow. She became known for being organised, focused, and fair. She was not a loud coach who needed attention. Instead, she used smart planning and clear communication.
Sarina Wiegman at ADO Den Haag
Sarina later became head coach of ADO Den Haag Women. She coached the club from 2007 to 2014. This was a key time in her career because it showed she could build a winning side over a long period.
At ADO Den Haag, she helped the team win major domestic honours. Her team won the Dutch league title and also enjoyed success in cup competitions. She created a strong, united side and proved she was ready for bigger roles.
Her work at ADO Den Haag opened the door to the Dutch national team setup. After seven years with the club, she moved towards international coaching.
Sarina Wiegman and the Netherlands Women’s Team
Sarina became part of the Netherlands women’s national team setup before becoming head coach. Her rise came at an important time for Dutch women’s football.
Her biggest moment with the Netherlands came in 2017. She led the team to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro on home soil. It was a huge moment for the country. The Dutch team played with energy, belief, and style. The win changed the place of women’s football in the Netherlands.
She then guided the Netherlands to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Although they lost to the United States, reaching the final was a major achievement. It proved that the Euro 2017 success was not a one-off moment.
Her time with the Netherlands made her one of the top coaches in world football. England later chose her because she had experience, success, and the calm mind needed for major tournaments.
Sarina Wiegman England Manager
Sarina became the manager of the England women’s national football team in September 2021. Her arrival gave the Lionesses a new level of belief and structure.
England already had talented players, but she helped turn that talent into a powerful team. Her approach was clear. She gave players confidence, built trust, and made the team hard to beat.
In 2022, she led England to victory at UEFA Women’s Euro. The Lionesses beat Germany in the final at Wembley Stadium. It was England women’s first major trophy and one of the greatest moments in British sporting history.
That victory made her a national figure in England. She was praised for her leadership, her calm nature, and the way she handled pressure. She did not make the story about herself. She gave credit to the players, staff, and fans.
Sarina Wiegman Major Finals Record
Sarina has built an amazing record in major international tournaments. She became the first manager in men’s or women’s football to reach five straight major international tournament finals.
Her run includes major finals with the Netherlands and England. She reached the Euro 2017 final, the 2019 World Cup final, the Euro 2022 final, the 2023 World Cup final, and the Euro 2025 final.
This record shows her consistency. Many coaches can have one great tournament. Very few can keep reaching finals with different teams across many years.
Her teams are known for strong organisation, brave football, and mental strength. Even when matches are difficult, her sides often stay calm and find a way through.
Sarina Wiegman Euro 2022 Success
Euro 2022 made Sarina a household name in England. The tournament was not only about winning. It was about changing how people saw women’s football.
England played with confidence and joy. The players looked free but also disciplined. They scored goals, defended strongly, and handled the pressure of playing at home.
The final against Germany was a historic match. England won after extra time, and the scenes at Wembley showed how much the victory meant. Sarina’s calm leadership was a key reason behind that success.
She gave England a clear identity. The team played with belief, but they also stayed grounded. That balance became one of her greatest strengths as a manager.
Sarina Wiegman World Cup Journey
After the Euro 2022 win, England entered the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with high hopes. The team faced injuries, pressure, and tough opponents, but Sarina guided them all the way to the final.
England lost to Spain in the final, but reaching that stage was still a major achievement. The Lionesses proved they were one of the best teams in the world.
Sarina had to make hard choices during the tournament. One major talking point was Lauren James, who received a red card against Nigeria. Sarina handled the matter with calm and care. James later returned to the squad and came on as a substitute in the final.
These moments showed Sarina’s skill as a leader. She protects her players, but she also keeps the team focused on the bigger goal.
Sarina Wiegman Family Life
Sarina is married to Marten Glotzbach. He has a background in teaching and football coaching. Their shared love of football has been part of their family life for many years.
The couple have two daughters, Lauren Glotzbach and Sacha Glotzbach. Sarina keeps her family life private and does not make it a major part of her public work. This fits her calm and professional nature.
Even though she is a famous coach, she has always stayed grounded. She speaks with respect, avoids drama, and keeps the focus on football.
Sarina Wiegman Age and Personal Details
Sarina was born on 26 October 1969. She is 56 years old in 2026. Her birthplace is The Hague in the Netherlands, and she is Dutch.
She is known for her short blonde hair, calm voice, and composed touchline style. She rarely looks shaken during matches. Even in tense moments, she keeps a clear mind.
Her public image is built on respect. She does not chase attention. Her record speaks for itself.
Sarina Wiegman Salary and Contract
Sarina’s exact salary has not been made official. However, her value to English football is clear. After her success with England, she received a contract extension that keeps her with the Lionesses through the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her role is one of the most important in women’s football. She has helped England win trophies, reach finals, and grow the sport across the country.
Even without an official salary figure, it is clear that she is among the most respected and highly valued coaches in the women’s game.
Sarina Wiegman Social Media
Sarina uses social media in a professional and simple way. Her Instagram handle is @sarina.wiegman. The account includes updates about football, team moments, and major events. Her contact details point to Sparkling Orange, which handles her management work.
She also has an X account under @wiegman_s. The account has been active since March 2013 and is used as an official account.
In June 2026, she shared a message after England ended a campaign on a positive note against Ukraine. She praised the team’s response after a painful defeat to Spain and thanked fans for their support in Mallorca and Liverpool. The post showed her usual tone: proud, honest, and focused on the next challenge.
Sarina Wiegman Book and Public Role
Sarina has also shared her journey through her book, What It Takes. The title fits her career well. Her story is not only about winning matches. It is about building teams, handling pressure, and staying true to clear values.
She has become more than a football coach. She is a leader, a role model, and a key figure in the rise of women’s sport. Young girls can look at her journey and see that football offers a real future.
Her success has helped change the game in England, the Netherlands, and beyond.
Sarina Wiegman Honours and Recognition
Sarina has won many honours as a coach. She has won European titles, reached World Cup finals, and received major coaching awards.
She was also awarded an honorary DBE for services to association football. This honour reflects her impact on the game in England and across world football.
Her awards matter, but her deeper legacy is even greater. She has raised standards, changed expectations, and helped women’s football gain more respect.
Sarina Wiegman Leadership Style
Sarina’s leadership style is calm, clear, and powerful. She does not need to shout to be heard. Players trust her because she is honest and well prepared.
She gives her teams structure but also allows players to express themselves. That is why her sides can play with both discipline and freedom.
She is also strong in difficult moments. After defeats, she does not panic. After wins, she does not lose focus. This balance is a major reason behind her long success.
Sarina Wiegman Legacy
Sarina Wiegman has already secured her place among football’s great managers. From The Hague to Wembley, from Dutch football to England’s Lionesses, her journey has been remarkable.
She has shown that great coaching is about more than tactics. It is about people, trust, courage, and clear standards. Her teams believe in her because she believes in them.
As England look towards future tournaments, she remains one of the strongest leaders in the sport. Her story is still growing, but her place in football history is already safe.
Sarina Wiegman FAQs
1. Who is Sarina Wiegman?
Sarina Wiegman is a Dutch football manager and former player. Her full name is Sarina Petronella Wiegman DBE. She has been the manager of the England women’s national football team since September 2021. She is best known for leading England to Euro 2022 success and for reaching major international finals with both the Netherlands and England.
2. How old is Sarina Wiegman?
Sarina Wiegman was born on 26 October 1969 in The Hague, Netherlands. She is 56 years old in 2026.
3. Who are Sarina Wiegman’s parents?
Sarina Wiegman has kept details about her parents private. Their names are not suitable to state as confirmed facts. What is clear is that she grew up in the Netherlands and developed a strong love for football from a young age.
4. Is Sarina Wiegman married?
Yes, Sarina Wiegman is married. Her husband is Marten Glotzbach. He has a background in teaching and football coaching. The couple have two daughters, Lauren Glotzbach and Sacha Glotzbach.
5. Does Sarina Wiegman have siblings?
Yes, Sarina Wiegman had a sister. She has spoken with emotion about losing her sister to cancer shortly before England’s Euro 2022 campaign. That loss was a deeply personal moment in her life, and she later described how it affected her during one of the biggest periods of her coaching career.