Lionesses and Red Roses Receive Honours as Wiegman is Named Honorary Dame

The England Lionesses and Red Roses have been recognised for their achievements with several awards in the New Year Honours list, following their successful campaigns in 2025. Sarina Wiegman, the England women's head coach, has been awarded an honorary damehood for her outstanding leadership, which included a successful defence of the European Championship title. Wiegman expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. The respect and warmth I've received from the English people since my arrival in 2021 have been overwhelming, and I thank the fans for their unwavering support." Team captain Leah Williamson has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, while Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, and Keira Walsh have each been awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire honours. The Red Roses have also been recognised, with captain Zoe Stratford, team-mate Marlie Packer, and head coach John Mitchell receiving Officer of the Order of the British Empire awards. Additionally, Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire. Other notable recipients include pioneer footballer Kerry Davis, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire, and former Tottenham executive chairman Daniel Levy and ex-Celtic chief executive Fergus McCann, who have both been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire honours. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been awarded a damehood and a knighthood, respectively, for their services to ice skating and voluntary service. Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher recently completed their final tour before retirement, and they expressed their delight at the timing of the honours. Former world marathon champion and broadcaster Paula Radcliffe has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to sport, while broadcasters Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley have been made Officers of the Order of the British Empire for their services to broadcasting and charity. Isa Guha, a broadcaster and former England cricketer, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to inclusivity and cricket. Rhys McClenaghan, a two-time world champion, and Toby Roberts, the Paris 2024 sport climbing Olympic champion, have also been made Members of the Order of the British Empire.