Wiegman Awarded Damehood for Lionesses Euros Wins

LONDON — Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch head coach of England's women's soccer team, has received an honorary damehood in King Charles III's New Year's Honors list, recognizing her leadership in guiding the Lionesses to a second consecutive European Championship title last summer.

The 56-year-old coach, who took charge in September 2021, steered England to victory in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final against Spain in Basel, Switzerland. The match ended in a 3-1 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, with goals from Alessia Russo for England and Mariona Caldentey for Spain, followed by successful penalties from Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles and Chloe Kelly. This triumph followed England's win on home soil in 2022 and a run to the 2023 World Cup final. Wiegman's success builds on her earlier achievements with the Netherlands, including a 2017 Euros title and a 2019 World Cup final appearance.

Wiegman expressed gratitude in a statement, saying, "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." She emphasized team unity, adding, "Our team values mean that when there is...