Sarina Wiegman Awarded Honorary Damehood as Lionesses and Red Roses Lead New Year Honours
Sarina Wiegman has been awarded an honorary damehood in the New Year Honours following her leadership of England to back-to-back European titles. The honorary status was granted due to her Dutch nationality.
The Red Roses and Lionesses dominated the honours list, with Zoe Aldcroft, captain, Marlie Packer, vice-captain, and John Mitchell, head coach, named OBEs. Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne received MBEs. Leah Williamson was named an OBE, while four Lionesses—Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, and Keira Walsh—were also appointed MBEs.
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were honored with a damehood and a knighthood respectively for services to skating and voluntary service. Off-field Rugby World Cup contributions were recognized with Sarah Massey awarded an MBE and Gill Whitehead receiving an OBE for hosting the tournament.
Notably, some Lionesses such as Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, Michelle Agyemang, and Alessia Russo were omitted from the honours despite their acclaim.
In broadcasting and sports, Gabby Logan and Paula Radcliffe were elevated to OBEs, and Clive Tyldesley received an OBE for broadcasting and charity work. Additional football and sports honours included Kerry Davis for services to football and diversity; James Keothavong and Isa Guha, both made MBEs; Daniel Levy and Fergus McCann awarded CBEs; and Jim Craig honored with an OBE.
