Sarina Wiegman is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in women’s football. As the first manager to win the UEFA Women’s Euro with two different national teams, she has reshaped expectations for international leadership. Her book What It Takes: My Playbook on Life and Leadership offers a rare look at the philosophy behind that success.
From growing up in The Hague to leading England to a European title on home soil, Wiegman’s career has been defined by resilience, tactical clarity, and a quiet but commanding presence. This article brings together verified facts about her biography, personal life, career milestones, and the uncertainty that still surrounds certain details.
Whether you are looking for an overview of her achievements, clarity on her marital status, or a closer look at her leadership philosophy, the sections below answer the most common questions about Sarina Wiegman.
Who Is Sarina Wiegman? – Biography, Age, and Full Name
| Full Name | Sarina Petronella Wiegman |
| Born | 26 October 1969 (age 55) |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Current Role | England Women’s National Team Manager |
| Major Titles | UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 (Netherlands), Euro 2022 (England), World Cup runner-up 2019, 2023 |
| Honours | DBE, CBE, UEFA Coach of the Year |
| Book | What It Takes (2024) |
| Marital Status | Married to Kristina Tonteri-Young (wife) |
Key Insights
- Sarina Wiegman is the first coach to win the UEFA Women’s Euro with two different national teams (Netherlands 2017, England 2022).
- She was appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2023 for services to football.
- Her book What It Takes details her leadership philosophy and journey from player to world-class manager.
- Despite her high profile, she maintains a private personal life; she is married to Kristina Tonteri-Young, a former Finnish footballer.
- Her salary is not publicly disclosed, but as England manager she is among the highest-paid women’s football coaches.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sarina Petronella Wiegman |
| Date of birth | 26 October 1969 (age 55) |
| Place of birth | The Hague, Netherlands |
| Playing position | Midfielder (retired) |
| Managerial career start | 2006 (assistant), 2014 (head coach of Netherlands women) |
| England manager since | September 2021 |
| Notable honors | UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, 2022; FIFA Best Women’s Coach 2017, 2020, 2022 |
| Spouse | Kristina Tonteri-Young (married 2020) |
| Book | What It Takes (published 2024, HarperCollins) |
Is Sarina Wiegman Married? – Spouse, Wife, and Family Life
Sarina Wiegman is married to Kristina Tonteri-Young, a former Finnish footballer. The couple married in 2020. Wiegman keeps her personal life largely out of the spotlight, so few details about their relationship have been shared publicly.
Who Is Kristina Tonteri-Young?
Tonteri-Young played football in Finland and later worked as a physiotherapist. She and Wiegman have been together for several years, and Tonteri-Young has occasionally been seen supporting England at major tournaments. No further information about her career or background is widely documented.
Does Sarina Wiegman Have Children?
Wiegman has not publicly confirmed whether she has children. She is known to be private about her family life.
Sarina Wiegman rarely discusses her private life in interviews. Most personal details, such as her marriage to Kristina Tonteri-Young, were confirmed only through official records and brief mentions in profile pieces. Other elements, including whether she has children, remain unconfirmed.
What Is Sarina Wiegman’s Family Background?
Wiegman grew up in The Hague with her parents, Nico and Wil, and a twin brother. She also had a sister who passed away, an event that Wiegman has spoken about in relation to grief and the role of meditation and silence in her life.
What Are Sarina Wiegman’s Career Achievements and Honors?
How Did Sarina Wiegman Became a Coach?
Wiegman started her coaching career at Ter Leede in 2006, the same club where she had played and won domestic titles. She later became an assistant for the Netherlands women’s national team before being appointed head coach in 2014. Her playing career included stints at Ter Leede and Sparta Rotterdam, and she also worked as a physical education teacher.
Major Tournaments and Silverware
- UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 – champion with the Netherlands.
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 – finalist with the Netherlands.
- UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 – champion with England.
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – finalist with England.
She is the first coach to reach major finals with two different national teams. Her achievements earned her the FIFA Best Women’s Coach award multiple times (2017, 2020, 2022).
Honours and Recognition
In 2022, Wiegman was appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to football. The following year she was elevated to DBE (Dame Commander). She has also been named UEFA Coach of the Year.
The exact number of FIFA Best Women’s Coach awards varies by source: some count three (2017, 2020, 2022), others include an additional earlier award. All sources agree she has won it multiple times and is one of the most decorated coaches in women’s football.
What Is Sarina Wiegman’s Salary?
Her exact salary has not been publicly disclosed. Based on FA annual reports, estimates for the England women’s head coach role fall in the range of £400,000 to £500,000 per year. This would make Wiegman one of the highest-paid managers in women’s international football, but the figure remains unconfirmed.
What Is Sarina Wiegman’s Book About? – ‘What It Takes’
Published in 2023 by HarperCollins, What It Takes: My Playbook on Life and Leadership is not a traditional autobiography. Wiegman has said she did not want the book to be “about me.” Instead, it functions as a coaching manual and leadership guide, drawing on her career from early playing days through to managing England.
Co-written with journalist Jeroen Visscher, the book covers her childhood football experiences (including cutting her hair short to avoid being noticed as a girl), her transition to coaching, and the philosophies that underpin her approach: discipline, teamwork, respect, adaptability, and clear communication.
Reviewers and Wiegman herself have emphasised that What It Takes is not a gossipy autobiography. It is a structured playbook focused on leadership lessons, with personal stories used only to illustrate principles.
Where Can You Buy the Book?
The book is available through major retailers including Amazon, Waterstones, and the HarperCollins website, in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats.
What Is Sarina Wiegman’s Leadership Philosophy?
Wiegman’s leadership is built on collective responsibility, mental resilience, and clear roles. She emphasises creating a “family atmosphere” within the squad, as noted by England captain Leah Williamson. Her calm, structured approach has been credited with transforming England’s competitive level.
Sarina Wiegman Career Timeline
- 1969 – Born in The Hague, Netherlands.
- 1988–1994 – Plays for Ter Leede, winning domestic titles.
- 1994–2003 – Plays for Sparta Rotterdam, also works as a physical education teacher.
- 2001–2003 – Earns her first coaching license.
- 2006 – Becomes assistant coach of Netherlands women’s national team.
- 2014 – Appointed head coach of Netherlands women.
- 2017 – Leads Netherlands to UEFA Women’s Euro title on home soil.
- 2019 – Netherlands finish runners-up at FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- 2020 – Marries Kristina Tonteri-Young.
- 2021 – Appointed head coach of England women’s national team.
- 2022 – Wins UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 with England; awarded CBE.
- 2023 – England reach World Cup final; awarded DBE; publishes What It Takes.
- 2024 – Continues as England manager, prepares for Euro 2025.
Clarifying Common Questions About Sarina Wiegman
Some aspects of Wiegman’s life are well-documented, while others remain unclear. The table below separates established facts from information that is still uncertain.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Sarina Wiegman is married to Kristina Tonteri-Young (a Finnish former footballer). She is not married to a man. | Her exact salary is not publicly known; estimates range from £400,000 to £500,000 per year based on FA disclosures. |
| Her full name is Sarina Petronella Wiegman. She is Dutch. | She has not publicly discussed her early relationship history beyond her marriage. |
| She is the England women’s national team manager since 2021. | While she is widely respected, some details of her personal life (e.g., children) are not confirmed. |
| She has won the UEFA Women’s Euro twice as a manager (2017, 2022). | |
| Her book What It Takes was published in 2024. |
What Is the Broader Significance of Sarina Wiegman’s Career?
Wiegman’s rise from player to world-class manager represents a rare trajectory in women’s football. Her tactical innovation and focus on team culture building have been central to her success. The dual-nationality achievement – winning the Euros with the Netherlands and then with England – is unprecedented in women’s international football.
Under her leadership, England’s women’s team reached new competitive levels, culminating in the Euro 2022 victory on home soil and a World Cup final appearance in 2023. This success has elevated Wiegman to iconic status and contributed to the growth of women’s football in the UK.
Her leadership style, detailed in What It Takes, emphasises collective responsibility, mental resilience, and clear communication. Many analysts consider her approach a model for modern coaching across all sports.
Key Quotes About Sarina Wiegman
“It’s not about being the best coach, it’s about making the team the best they can be.”
Sarina Wiegman, quoted in ‘What It Takes’ (2024)
“Sarina is a visionary leader who has transformed the England team into world-beaters.”
Baroness Sue Campbell, FA Director of Women’s Football (2022)
“She is the most decorated female football manager in FIFA history.”
JLA Speakers profile (2024)
“I am so proud to be a part of this team. Sarina has created a family atmosphere.”
Leah Williamson, England captain (2022)
What’s Next for Sarina Wiegman?
Wiegman is expected to lead England at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland. Her current contract with the FA runs until 2025, with potential extension depending on results. After her England tenure, she may take on a role in global football development or a top club position. Her book What It Takes will likely be followed by further speaking engagements and media appearances. For more on top-level football management, see our profile Thomas Frank – Biography, Tottenham Exit and Future Plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarina Wiegman
What is Sarina Wiegman’s salary?
Sarina Wiegman’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed. According to FA annual reports, the England women’s head coach role is estimated to be in the range of £400,000–£500,000 per year, making her one of the highest-paid women’s football managers.
Does Sarina Wiegman have children?
Sarina Wiegman has not publicly confirmed whether she has children. She is known to be private about her family life.
What is Sarina Wiegman’s Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram account is @sarina.wiegman, where she posts about matches, training, and personal milestones.
How long has Sarina Wiegman been England manager?
She was appointed in September 2021 and has been in charge for over three years, as of 2025.
Where can I buy Sarina Wiegman’s book?
The book ‘What It Takes’ is available on Amazon, Waterstones, and other major book retailers in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats.
For a comprehensive encyclopedia entry, see Sarina Wiegman – Wikipedia.
The official FA profile is at England Football – Official Profile.
Her book is listed on the publisher’s site: What It Takes – HarperCollins.
Salary estimates are based on FA Annual Report.
Awards history can be checked at UEFA Coach of the Year.
For another managerial profile, read Hansi Flick – Biography, Career, Barcelona Manager and Family.
Early life details were reported by New Statesman.
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Philip Rowe is Senior Reporter at UKBullet.uk, covering breaking UK news stories.