Sarina Wiegman: How She Became One of the World’s Top Women’s Football Coaches

February 3, 2026

Sarina Wiegman is one of the most respected figures in women’s football, known for her incredible journey as both a player and a coach. Born in The Hague, Netherlands, she has transformed teams with her leadership, tactical skill, and winning mindset. From representing the Dutch national team as a player to leading England’s women’s national team to European Championship victories, Sarina has become a global football icon. In this article, we explore her full biography, career highlights, net worth, age, height, family life, relationships, and major achievements, giving you a complete picture of her inspiring story.

Table of Contents

Quick Bio Table

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Sarina Petronella Wiegman
Date of Birth	26 October 1969
Age	56 years
Place of Birth	The Hague, Netherlands
Nationality	Dutch
Height	1.63 m (5’3″)
Profession	Football Manager & Former Player
Current Role	Head Coach, England Women’s National Football Team
Major Achievements	UEFA Women’s Euro Titles, FIFA Women’s World Cup Final Appearances
Net Worth	Estimated $6–7 million
Marital Status	Married to Marten Glotzbach
Children	Two daughters, Lauren and Sacha

Who is Sarina Wiegman?

Sarina Wiegman is a legendary figure in women’s football, known both for her successful playing career and her outstanding coaching achievements. Born in The Hague, Netherlands, she grew up passionate about football. From a young age, she played the sport with dedication and determination, often training and playing with boys, which helped her develop toughness and skill. Sarina quickly rose through local clubs to become one of the most respected Dutch footballers of her generation.

Playing Career

As a player, Sarina Wiegman was a midfielder who later also played in defense. She earned more than 100 caps for the Netherlands, representing her country at the highest level. Known for her intelligence on the field, leadership, and strong work ethic, she became one of the most dependable players in Dutch women’s football. After retiring from playing in 2003, she immediately turned her focus to coaching, carrying her experience and knowledge into a new role guiding teams from the sidelines.

Coaching Career

Sarina Wiegman’s coaching career started in the Netherlands, managing club teams like Ter Leede and ADO Den Haag, where she won league and cup titles. Her success at club level earned her a spot in the Netherlands women’s national team coaching setup. She initially worked as an assistant coach and gradually moved up to become the head coach.

Her biggest breakthrough came in 2017 when she led the Netherlands to victory in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017. This was the first major international title for the Dutch women’s team and established Wiegman as one of the top coaches in the world. She later guided the Netherlands to the final of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, further proving her ability to lead teams on the biggest stages.

England Women’s National Team

In 2021, Sarina Wiegman took over as head coach of the England women’s national team, also known as the Lionesses. She became the first permanent non-British manager of the team. Under her leadership, England won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 on home soil, their first major trophy.

Sarina’s coaching style focuses on tactical discipline, teamwork, and mental strength. She encourages players to work together, trust each other, and play with confidence. Her methods helped England reach the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final and maintain their status as one of the top women’s football teams in the world. She also led England to victory in UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, making history as the first coach to win back-to-back European Championships with two different nations.

Coaching Style and Leadership

Sarina Wiegman is respected not just for her tactical skills but also for her leadership. She is calm, patient, and communicates clearly with her players. She builds strong relationships and motivates players to perform at their best in high-pressure games. Her teams are known for disciplined defending, smart attacking, and the ability to stay focused in tough situations. She has become a role model for women in sports and coaching worldwide.

Personal Life

Sarina Wiegman is married to Marten Glotzbach, who is a former football coach and teacher. The couple has two daughters, Lauren and Sacha. Sarina keeps her family life private but is known to be very close to her husband and children. She enjoys spending her free time with them and values a balanced life outside football.

Her calm personality off the pitch and strong family support have helped her manage the pressure of coaching at the highest level. Despite her busy career, she remains grounded and focused on both her professional and personal life.

Sarina Wiegman Net Worth

Sarina Wiegman has earned her wealth through decades of playing and coaching at the highest level. Her estimated net worth is around $6–7 million. She earns a significant salary as England’s head coach, which is among the highest in women’s football. Her financial success is a reflection of her achievements and reputation in international football.

Legacy and Achievements

Sarina Wiegman’s legacy is built on both trophies and impact. She is known for leading teams to major tournament finals, winning European Championships with two countries, and reaching a World Cup final. Her awards include recognition as one of the best women’s football coaches in the world. She has inspired a new generation of players and coaches, and her achievements have elevated women’s football internationally.

She is respected for her professionalism, tactical intelligence, and ability to develop players and teams. Sarina Wiegman’s story is one of dedication, skill, and leadership, making her one of the most influential figures in women’s football today.

Sarina Wiegman Career Timeline

Sarina Wiegman began her football journey as a young player in The Hague, Netherlands, where she played with local clubs and quickly showed talent and determination. She became a professional footballer, primarily playing as a midfielder and occasionally as a defender. During her international playing career, she earned over 100 caps for the Dutch national team and became known for her leadership, intelligence, and work ethic on the field.

After retiring from playing in 2003, Sarina transitioned into coaching. Her first roles were with Dutch club teams, including Ter Leede and ADO Den Haag, where she achieved domestic league and cup successes. These early experiences helped her develop tactical skills and leadership abilities, preparing her for national team management.

In 2017, she was appointed head coach of the Netherlands women’s national team. Under her guidance, the team won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, marking the first major international title for the Netherlands women. She also led the team to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, cementing her reputation as one of the best coaches in women’s football.

In 2021, Sarina Wiegman became the head coach of the England women’s national team. She quickly made an impact, guiding England to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 on home soil. She also led the team to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final and secured another European Championship in 2025. Sarina made history by becoming the first coach to win back-to-back European Championships with two different nations and the first to reach five major international finals in a row.

Today, she continues to coach England, inspiring players and building one of the most respected teams in women’s football, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport worldwide

Conclusion

Sarina Wiegman is more than just a football coach; she is a pioneer and a role model. From her early days as a determined young player in the Netherlands to leading national teams to historic victories, she has shown that hard work, vision, and leadership can create a lasting legacy. With her family by her side and countless achievements to her name, Sarina Wiegman continues to shape the future of women’s football and inspire millions around the world.