Sarina Wiegman, the celebrated coach of England's Lionesses, has been awarded an honorary damehood in the New Year Honours list. This recognition comes after she guided the Lionesses to their second consecutive European title. The New Year Honours list also includes accolades for members of the victorious England women's rugby union team, the Red Roses.

Wiegman, a Dutch native, is receiving an honorary damehood because the standard damehood is reserved for British citizens. This honorary title acknowledges her exceptional contribution to English football and the nation's sporting achievements. Wiegman expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating that she never imagined the respect and warmth she has experienced from the English people since arriving in England. She also credited her "exceptional team of players and staff" for the achievement.

The Lionesses' triumph at the European Championship, marked by a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory against Spain, has led to widespread recognition for the team. Captain Leah Williamson has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Additionally, four other Lionesses—Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, and Keira Walsh—have been named Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs). Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are also expected to receive MBEs for their crucial roles in the Euro 2025 final.

The Red Roses, who secured their own World Cup victory on home soil, are also being recognized in the New Year Honours. Zoe Aldcroft, the captain, Marlie Packer, the vice-captain, and John Mitchell, the head coach, have all been named OBEs. Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne are set to become MBEs.

Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, lauded the historic year for women's sport, congratulating both the Red Roses and Lionesses on their honors. She noted the extraordinary achievement of having two English teams win major tournaments within months of each other.

Beyond football and rugby, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are also being honored, with a damehood and a knighthood respectively, for their services to skating and voluntary service. Their recognition comes more than 40 years after their gold medal win at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.

Debbie Hewitt, the Football Association's chair, remarked that Wiegman has "captured the hearts of the English public" and that the FA feels privileged to have her as their head coach.

These honors highlight the increasing importance of women's football and the cultural impact the Lionesses have made. The awards given by the King place the Lionesses alongside influential figures in British sport and public life. The Prime Minister has praised the Lionesses for inspiring a generation and embodying decency, fairness, and respect.