To reach the final of every major tournament as a manager is unprecedented yet Sarina Wiegman has done just that.
As England prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2025 final, the Dutchwoman stands on the brink of back-to-back European titles with the Lionesses, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest minds in modern football.
Wiegman’s rise has been as methodical as her tactics. Calm, caring, yet ruthlessly focused, she’s won admiration across the board from players to pundits. “She makes you feel loved,” says midfielder Keira Walsh. “But in the 95th minute, it’s her calm that steadies you.”
Since taking over England in 2021, Wiegman has delivered immediate results, winning Euro 2022 and reaching the World Cup final in 2023. Her success isn’t accidental.
Known for meticulous planning, emotional intelligence, and a clear vision, she balances empathy with uncompromising standards. Players describe her as both “a mum” and a “pragmatist” who always sticks to her gameplan no matter the noise.
She has dropped icons like Steph Houghton and Mary Earps, not out of disrespect but out of tactical necessity. “She always says it like it is,” says Georgia Stanway, “whether you like it or not.”
Yet beyond tactics and team sheets, Wiegman thrives under pressure. After early setbacks in Euro 2025, she made bold changes like introducing 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang in extra time against Italy, a move that paid off.
Off the pitch, she shares in her players’ grief and joys. She lost her sister before Euro 2022, a tragedy that bonded her with stars like Beth Mead and Ella Toone, who were dealing with personal losses. Her emotional intelligence has created a resilient, tight-knit team culture — one that might just carry England to another historic triumph.
Whatever the result in Basel, Wiegman’s impact is already seismic. As former striker Ellen White puts it: “Everyone wanted to win for Sarina.” And with England one game away from glory again, they just might.
