Loughborough University awards honorary degree to Sarina Wiegman

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England Communications

The Lionesses head coach has been awarded an honorary degree

England women’s senior head coach Sarina Wiegman was honoured for her outstanding contribution to women’s football on Friday, by receiving an honorary degree from Loughborough University.

The Lionesses boss was formally recognised for her achievements in the game – including leading England to victory in the 2022 UEFA European Women's Championships – and accepted the accolade during the University’s winter graduation ceremony held at its East Midlands campus on Friday 13 December 2024.

Wiegman’s footballing career has been defined by a series of remarkable achievements. Her leadership values and vision for the game have proved instrumental in transforming women’s football on a global scale.

Sarina Wiegman receives her honorary degree from Loughborough University

As a player, Wiegman represented the Netherlands 104 times before transitioning to coaching, where she led the Dutch women’s team to victory in the 2017 UEFA Women’s European Championship.

Since taking charge of England 2021, she has guided the Lionesses to historic success by winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 title and reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in 2023, inspiring record numbers of girls to engage with football nationwide.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wiegman said: “It feels an absolute honour to be awarded an honorary degree.

“I feel very privileged to be here. It shows what the Lionesses have achieved over the last few years and how many people have been involved in this – you can never do these things alone.

“I'm so proud to play a part of that journey here in England. We still have a long way to go, but I think we're going in the right direction.”

The Lionesses head coach was recognised for her outstanding contribution to women's football

Professor Jo Maher, Loughborough’s pro vice-chancellor for sport, added: “Football has the power to unite, inspire, and challenge societal norms. Sarina’s achievements in the sport are not just victories on the field but have had major positive impacts off the pitch too.

“Sporting excellence is at the heart of Loughborough’s vision so we’re incredibly proud to award Sarina with an honorary degree.”

Wiegman’s next stop will be Lausanne on Monday 16 December, when the draw for the group stages of next summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Finals in Switzerland will be made.

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