Sarina Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman – Author of ‘What It Takes’ & Awarded The Best FIFA Women’s Coach

Sarina Wiegman is one of the most successful football managers of her generation, best known for leading both the Netherlands and England to European glory. A former international player with 99 caps, she has built her reputation on tactical excellence, resilience and the ability to inspire her teams to achieve at the highest level. From guiding the Dutch squad to their first UEFA Women’s Euro title in 2017 to managing the Lionesses to victory at the 2022 and 2025 tournaments, Sarina has become a global symbol of leadership in football. Today, she is highly sought after as a speaker, sharing her journey and insights from elite sport.

Credentials and Impact

Sarina’s football journey began on the pitch. She developed her skills in the United States with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels before returning home to play for Ter Leede in the Netherlands. With Ter Leede, she won national championships and the KNVB Cup, achievements that reflected the same drive and determination she showed in representing her country. Over 14 years with the Dutch national team, she earned 99 caps, becoming a cornerstone of women’s football in the Netherlands.

Her transition to coaching was equally impressive. Starting with managerial roles at Ter Leede and ADO Den Haag, she quickly earned a reputation for tactical discipline and player development. By 2014, she had joined the Dutch national team staff as Assistant Coach and was promoted to Head Coach in 2017. That same year, she led the Netherlands to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro, a historic first for her country, and was appointed a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Appointed manager of the England Lionesses in 2021, Sarina has since transformed the team into one of the strongest forces in women’s football. She guided them to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, to the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup and to their second consecutive Euro triumph in 2025. Her achievements have been recognised with repeated FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year awards and an Honorary CBE, marking her as one of the most influential managers in modern football. In 2026, Sarina was appointed an Honorary DBE for guiding the Lionesses to their second successive Euros title.

Publications and Media

In 2023, Sarina published ‘What It Takes: The Inspiring Journey of Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses’ Rise to Success‘, a book that provides a candid account of her rise from player to world-renowned coach. The book explores her leadership style, her experiences in building winning teams, and the values that underpin her approach to success. Beyond publishing, Sarina is a familiar voice in the media, regularly sharing her insights on women’s football and leadership with leading platforms such as Sky Sports, BBC Sport and ITV. Her commentary has also featured in international outlets, further establishing her as one of the most respected figures in the global game.

Why Book Sarina?

Sarina is one of the most respected figures in modern football, having guided both the Netherlands and England to European Championship victories. Drawing on her experiences of leading elite teams, she shares powerful lessons on high performance, resilience and leadership under pressure. With honours such as an Honorary CBE, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award and a Dutch knighthood, her achievements reflect both her sporting excellence and her wider influence.

As a speaker, Sarina captivates audiences with authentic insights into what it takes to build winning teams and drive success. She is equally passionate about equality, inclusion and inspiring future generations, topics that resonate far beyond sport. Frequently featured on platforms such as Sky Sports and BBC Sport, she communicates with clarity and authority, making her a sought-after choice for businesses, conferences and organisations looking to inspire excellence and embrace the power of teamwork.

To book Sarina to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.