Born in The Hague, Netherlands, Wiegman’s football journey began at a tender age, kicking the ball around with the neighbourhood kids. Little did she know that her love for the sport would take her on an extraordinary path, impacting the women’s football landscape forever.
At the age of six, Wiegman joined ESDO, defying traditional gender roles by playing alongside boys. Her talent shone through, and soon she found herself playing for local side HSV Celeritas, where she had the opportunity to join the women’s team. Her dedication and prowess on the field caught the eye of KFC ’71, where she lifted the KNVB Cup in 1987, a significant milestone in her early career.
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In 1988, Wiegman’s life took a pivotal turn when she travelled to China for the 1988 FIFA Women’s Invitation Tournament. There, she encountered USWNT head coach Anson Dorrance, who saw her potential and extended an invitation for her to study and play at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Wiegman accepted the offer, joining the North Carolina Tar Heels women’s soccer team in 1989, where she played alongside iconic players like Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, and Carla Overbeck.
Her experience at North Carolina was transformative, as she witnessed firsthand the higher standards and support for women’s football in the United States. The contrast between the opportunities provided in the U.S. and the challenges faced in the Netherlands motivated her to strive for change when she returned to her homeland. In the Netherlands, female footballers had to juggle their sporting dreams with day jobs. Undeterred, Wiegman continued her football journey while working as a physical education teacher at Segbroek College in The Hague.
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Throughout her illustrious career, Wiegman donned the Dutch national team’s jersey, amassing 104 caps and captaining the team with pride. She represented the Netherlands at several European Championships, where her leadership skills and on-field prowess left a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike. Wiegman’s dedication and talent were celebrated when she became the first Dutch footballer to earn 100 caps, a remarkable achievement that solidified her place as a football legend in her homeland.
After her playing days, Wiegman transitioned seamlessly into coaching, proving that her influence on the sport would extend beyond her playing career. She took on various coaching roles, eventually finding herself managing the Dutch women’s national team. Under her guidance, the Netherlands won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, marking a historic moment for Dutch women’s football. Her achievements did not go unnoticed, and she earned well-deserved recognition, including winning the Best FIFA Women’s Coach Award multiple times.
In a groundbreaking move, Wiegman accepted the opportunity to manage the England women’s national team. Stepping into her role with determination and grace, she led the Lionesses to success, triumphing at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. The victory marked her second European Championship win as a coach, a feat unmatched by any other coach.
Wiegman’s remarkable journey reached new heights as she secured the UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year Award and received an Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her invaluable contributions to association football in England. Her leadership and tactical acumen continued to impress, leading her to yet another Best FIFA Women’s Coach Award, making her the only coach to have won the prestigious accolade more than once.
In 2023, Wiegman continued to showcase her coaching brilliance by guiding England to victory at the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup and the historic 2023 Women’s Finalissima against Brazil.
