Sydney, Australia, July 28th 2023: Head Coach of England Sarina Wiegman ahead of the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 Group D football match between England and Denmark at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia. (James Whitehead / SPP)
Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson lead the list of figures from the world of women’s football who are recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.
England head coach Wiegman led her side to their second successive Euros triumph over the summer, and receives an honorary damehood. It follows her fifth FIFA Best Award earlier in the month.
Williamson, the team’s captain for both the Euros wins, receives a CBE.
Four members of the squad are awarded MBEs – Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone.
And there is also an MBE for Kerry Davis, who is recognised as the first black woman to represent England, having made her debut in 1982.
Sarina Wiegman: My award is a reflection of my team of players and staff
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honour,” said Wiegman in a statement. “When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced from the English people. I deeply thank the fans for their support.”
Congratulating her players who had also received honours, she added that her own award was “a reflection of my exceptional team of players and staff”, and went on: “Our team values mean that when there is recognition for one, then there is recognition for all. I want to pay tribute to every member of our Euro squad. They should all be celebrated for everything they brought to the pitch and for the positive role they play in society. I’m proud to work alongside such a dedicated group of people.
“I’d also like to congratulate Kerry Davis, she is a Lionesses legend and the women’s game would not be where it is today without her, and the contribution of so many former players. We have a lot to thank her for.
“It’s been a special year and as we look ahead to our next objective, qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, we hope we can continue to make the country proud.”
FA chair Hewitt: Another historic year for the Lionesses
FA chair Debbie Hewitt MBE said: “It has been another historic year for the Lionesses, and on behalf of everyone at the FA, I would like to congratulate Alex, Ella, Georgia, Keira and Leah.
“All of their contributions extend far beyond their outstanding performances on the pitch, which helped secure back-to-back European Championships in 2022 and 2025. Equally important is their shared commitment to making a positive impact on society. Each of them has embraced the responsibility of being a role model for a generation of girls with sincerity and purpose. They have not only lifted trophies but helped lift the sport and society itself. Their recognition is thoroughly deserved.
“In Sarina Wiegman, we feel incredibly privileged to have not only the world’s leading head coach, but also an exceptional leader – someone who leads with integrity, humility, and a deep belief in human connection. This award recognises her remarkable achievements on the pitch and the profound impact she continues to make away from it. It is further testament to how she has captured the hearts of the English public.”
And she concluded with congratulations for Davis, saying: “The current generation of Lionesses stand on the shoulders of trailblazers such as Kerry Davis. The sport would not be where it is today without her contribution, and we all have much to thank her for.”
