Seven members of the English national team are being honored by the British Royal Family. Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway is also among the honored individuals.
Great honor for the European champions: Seven members of the English women’s national football team have been honored for their services as part of King Charles III’s traditional New Year Honors. Coach Sarina Wiegman received the second highest award of the order (DBE).
“When I first came to England, I never could have imagined how much respect and warmth I would receive,” said the Dutchwoman Wiegman: “I am deeply grateful to the fans for their support.”
Honorary title for England’s National Coach
Wiegman receives the honorary title after leading the Lionesses to their second consecutive European Championship title in the summer of 2025, marking the first time an English football team has won a major title on foreign soil. However, as a foreign citizen, she is denied the title “Dame,” the female equivalent of “Sir.” Just two weeks ago, she was awarded the FIFA World Coach of the Year title for the fifth time.
In addition to Wiegman, among the 1157 honored individuals is also captain Leah Williamson, who was honored as a CBE, the middle of the five classes of the Order. Players Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone, as well as team doctor Dr. Ritan Mehta, each received the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
“Receiving the MBE is a pinch-me moment. After all, I’m just a girl from Barrow. I love my country and I will fly the flag wherever life takes me. To be awarded an MBE is a huge honor, so thank you – and dream big,” said Stanway, who also won the double with Bayern Munich in 2025.