Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman named best coach in women’s football

Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman was named the world’s best women’s football coach at the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris on Monday, receiving the Johan Cruyff Trophy.

Wiegman, 55, earned the honor after leading England to its second consecutive European Championship last summer. “It is extra special that this prize is named after Johan Cruyff. He fought so that every child could play football. Let us keep connecting through our game,” she said, according to NOS.

Renée Slegers, who won the Champions League with the English club Arsenal, was also among the nominees for women’s coach of the year. She did not take the individual award, but Arsenal was named women’s club of the year.

The Ballon d’Or’s top individual prizes later went to Ousmane Dembélé, 28, of Paris Saint-Germain, and Aitana Bonmatí, 27, of FC Barcelona. Dembélé became the second Frenchman this century to win after scoring 33 goals in a season. Bonmatí secured her third consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or, surpassing teammate Alexia Putellas as the most decorated female player.

In the men’s coaching category, Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique won over Liverpool’s Arne Slot. Dutch players Denzel Dumfries and Virgil van Dijk were also on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, finishing 25th and 28th.