Sarina Wiegman was named coach of the year at the FIFA Best Awards – the fifth time she has picked up the prize.
It marks a year in which she has become the first head coach ever to reach five consecutive major finals.
“It’s just really, really special,” Wiegman said, according to a FIFA press release. “I feel very honoured, and it says a lot about the teams I’ve been working with – what an incredible journey I had with those teams. And I hope, moving forward, that the journey will continue.”
She reflected on what she described as the “honour” she felt, adding: “That says everything about the team, and without the team, you’re nowhere. That’s the beauty of team sports; that when you have so much talent and you bring everyone together and everyone has their nose in the same direction, you can reach a lot.
“I think that’s what makes me so happy; that when you can see people, like players and staff, being at their best and win.”
It followed England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s recognition as the FIFA Best goalkeeper, earlier on Tuesday.
Hampton was also named in the FIFA Best XI, which comprised solely international players from England and Spain.
She was joined by fellow Lionesses Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo.
Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey was also in the team – having finished second in the voting for the FIFA Best Women’s Player behind Aitana Bonmati, who won the award for the third time.
Who did Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson vote for in the FIFA Best Awards?
England coach Sarina Wiegman voted for three England players as the best of the year – in first place, Lucy Bronze; in second, Alessia Russo; in third, Leah Williamson.
Williamson herself, as captain, voted for Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey, with Russo in second, and Patri Guijarro in third.
The Best FIFA Women’s 11 2025
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea/England), Irene Paredes (Barcelona/Spain), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea/England), Ona Batlle (Barcelona/Spain), Leah Williamson (Arsenal/England), Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain), Clàudia Pina (Barcelona/Spain), Patri Guijarro (Barcelona/Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal/England), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain)
