Why Sarina Wiegman is set to be denied 'Dame' status as England boss in line for rare award after Euros win
The reason why Sarina Wiegman will not become a 'Dame' despite England winning the Women's Euros has been revealed.
On Sunday night, England successfully defended their status as European champions as they secured a historic victory over Spain in a dramatic Euro 2025 final
After a goal from Arsenal star Alessio Russo ruled out Spain's early lead thanks to Mariona Caldentey, the match was decided by a tense penalty shootout, which England won 3-2.
Penalties scored by Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles and tournament hero Chloe Kelly secured the win for Sarina Weigman's side at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.
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But despite the England manager leading the Lionesses to a historic victory once again, she will not be able to receive a typical damehood for one specific reason.
Despite the fact that she is adored across England and treated by fans as one of their own, Wiegman was born and raised in the Netherlands, meaning that she is not eligible to receive the typical Dame title granted to British citizens.
However, as revealed by The Telegraph, Wiegman is expected to be granted an honorary damehood after leading England to victory in the 2025 European Women’s Championship.
This would mean that, although she is not a British citizen and therefore cannot receive a typical title, the UK government and its citizens would recognise the England manager as Dame Sarina.
After England won Euro 2022, Wiegman was made CBE on the UK’s overseas list after the Dutch government granted permission for her to be given this honour.
It is believed that the same process would need to be followed in order to make the 55-year-old an honorary dame following the Euro 2025 final, but it is almost certain that this request would again be accepted.
The report also states that Wiegman was previously set to be put forward for an honorary damehood two years ago had the Lionesses beaten Spain in the 2023 World Cup final.
And, given the fact that former England men's manager Gareth Southgate was knighted for his services to football shortly after he stood down following Euro 2024, it seems only right that Wiegman receives a similar honour.
As the the first manager of a senior England team to lead their team to two tournament triumphs, and the only one to successfully defend a major title, Wiegman has cemented herself as perhaps the greatest England manager of all time.
Topics: Sarina Wiegman, Womens Football, England
Ben McCrum