England women's football head coach Sarina Wiegman has been awarded an honorary damehood in the New Year Honours list, following the Lionesses' triumph at Euro 2025. The list is dominated by members of both the Lionesses and the Red Roses, England's women's rugby union team who won the World Cup on home soil in September.
Leah Williamson, the Lionesses captain, receives an OBE, while teammates Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh are awarded MBEs. For the Red Roses, captain Zoe Aldcroft, vice-captain Marlie Packer and head coach John Mitchell are appointed OBEs, with Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne receiving MBEs.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the achievements, calling it an historic year for women's sport. Wiegman, who has led England to three consecutive major finals, expressed gratitude for the honour. As a Dutch citizen, she is ineligible for the full title of dame, hence the honorary award. FA chair Debbie Hewitt described Wiegman as an exceptional leader who has captured the hearts of the English public.
The list also recognises broadcaster Gabby Logan, marathon champion Paula Radcliffe, and commentator Clive Tyldesley, all made OBEs. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean receive a damehood and knighthood respectively. However, notable Lionesses omissions from the honours include Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, Michelle Agyemang and Alessia Russo. Dr Ritan Mehta, the Lionesses' head of medical, and former England striker Kerry Davis, the first black female international for England, are both made MBEs.
