England manager Sarina Wiegman has been named as UEFA's Women's Coach of the Year.
The Dutch boss led the Lionesses to an historic Euro 2022 triumph, where they overcame Germany in a nerve-racking final at Wembley, and she has been rewarded for her incredible achievements. Indeed, it is a memorable way to bring the curtain down on an unforgettable summer for the England Women's team.
Wiegman has been rewarded for overseeing that triumph by scooping the Women's Coach of the Year award. She was confirmed as the winner at the Champions League group stage draw on Thursday, which saw Premier League sides Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all discover their fate.
Unfortunately the manager was unable to attend the event in Istanbul but she happily accepted her latest achievement via video. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her team for helping her achieve history.
Else, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was named the men's Coach of the Year. The Italian, similar to Wiegman, was also very grateful.
He said: "What a night. The last 16, the quarter-final, the semi-final. First of all, I have the chance to thanks to a lot of people: my players, my club, my stuff. I have to say thanks to our supporters, to my president [Florentino Perez]. I cannot forget anyone - my family, my wife. My son and my sister."
Speaking of his striker Karim Benzema, he said: "Karim is not only a fantastic striker, he is a fantastic footballer with a great attitude. This year, he improved his knowledge. His leadership... he is a strong leader in the dressing room. He is a good friend of mine... this is not the reason he is going to play, he is going to play the best! We are lucky to have Karim."
Indeed, it was a memorable evening for Benzema as he scooped the men's Player of the Year award, having starred as Madrid clinched the Champions League crown last season. The striker played a crucial role in helping the Spanish giants overcome Liverpool in the final.
Elsewhere, Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas won the Women's Player of the Year award.
