January 1 – The England Football Association (FA) has used the King’s New Year Honours list for 2026 to trumpet the ground-breaking success of the Lionesses’ at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
In a rare honour, England coach Sarina Wiegman was awarded the DBE for her services to the UK and international sport, while captain Leah Williamson received a CBE, adding to the OBE she was awarded after the 2022 success. Four more players from the 2025 squad, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone, received with MBEs, for their roles in a tournament that pushed attendances, audiences, and participation to levels never previously seen.
The honours list also acknowledges the team behind the team. Dr Ritan Mehta, England women’s long-serving doctor and the FA’s head of women’s medical, receives an MBE after more than a decade supporting the Lionesses. Kerry Davis, England’s first Black women’s international and goalscorer, is recognised with an MBE for services to football and diversity, her legacy stretching back to her debut in 1982.
FA Chair Debbie Hewitt was clear about the broader significance. “It has been another historic year for the Lionesses, and on behalf of everyone at the FA, I would like to congratulate Alex, Ella, Georgia, Keira and Leah,” she said. “All of their contributions extend far beyond their outstanding performances on the pitch, which helped secure back-to-back European Championships in 2022 and 2025.”
Hewitt also singled out Wiegman’s influence. “In Sarina Wiegman, we feel incredibly privileged to have not only the world’s leading head coach, but also an exceptional leader… This award recognises her remarkable achievements on the pitch and the profound impact she continues to make away from it.”
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