Sports
What is an honorary damehood? England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman in line for title
England‘s historic triumph over Spain in a thrilling final allowed them to successfully defend their title as European champions.
The match ended in a tight penalty shootout, which England won 3-1, after a goal from Arsenal player Alessi Russo cancelled out Spain’s early lead through Mariona Caldentey.
At St Jakob-Park in Basel, penalties from Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and tournament hero Chloe Kelly gave Weigman’s team the victory.
This isn’t the first time England won the Euros under Wiegman’s management.
Wiegman was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) on the UK’s overseas list following England’s victory at Euro 2022 after the Dutch government approved her for the accolade.
Sarina Wiegman lifted the Euros trophy with England in 2022
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Since taking over in September 2021, the 55-year-old Dutch coach has led England to three consecutive major finals.
After her great efforts to win the Women’s Euros this year, Wiegman is anticipated to receive an honorary damehood.
What is an honorary damehood?
Honorary damehoods are British honours given to people who have made contributions to the UK or to international affairs but are not citizens of nations where the monarch is the head of state.
Although the initials of the award (such as DBE for Dame of the Order of the British Empire) may be used after the recipient’s name, the title “Dame” cannot be used before the recipient’s name.
The equivalent for British citizens is called the substantive damehood.
Wiegman’s damehood is due to be an honorary one as she is a Dutch citizen.
According to reports, she was scheduled to receive an honorary damehood two years ago before the Lionesses suffered a heart-breaking loss to Spain in the World Cup final. As the first senior England team to make it to the final since 1966, Millie Bright, Mary Earps, and Lauren Hemp were all given honours.
Gareth Southgate received his knighthood at Windsor Castle in June
PA Wire
The Telegraph claims that as Gareth Southgate was knighted after losing the Euro 2024 final with the men’s team, failing to honour Wiegman this time around could lead to a sexism controversy.
Southgate, who resigned as Three Lions manager after the team’s loss to Spain, was recognised for his contributions to football in the New Year’s Honours list.
Will Chloe Kelly get one?
Chloe Kelly isn’t currently confirmed for a damehood, but there’s a chance she could receive one.
Prince William shakes hands with Chloe Kelly after the Euro 2025 final
AFP via Getty Images
In the case of footballers, damehoods or knighthoods are typically awarded for exceptional achievements on the field such as winning major international tournaments, breaking records, or consistently high performance.
Kelly continued her status as a player built for high-pressure situations by playing a key role in England’s victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
She is also a contender for player of the tournament after proving to be a game-changer for England. Kelly blasted home the winning penalty in the final and had a goal or an assist in every single game this tournament.
