England manager Sarina Wiegman has been named the best FIFA Women’s Coach for 2022 ahead of Brazil's Pia Sundhage and Lyon's Sonia Bompastor.
The Lionesses head coach has guided the team to an impressive 29-game unbeaten run since she took charge in September 2021. In that time, they've won the UEFA Women's Euros and back-to-back Arnold Clark Cup trophies.
Wiegman first won the FIFA Best coach award in 2017 after guiding the Netherlands to European glory and she also claimed the prize again in 2020. Last year, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was named the winner ahead of Wiegman and former Barcelona head coach Lluis Cortes.
This time, Wiegman was up against Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor who completed her first full season in charge of the French side. They won their respective league title, as well as the UEFA Women's Champions League after beating Barcelona in the final.
Brazil manager Pia Sundhage was also up for the award; the 63-year-old guided them to Copa America Feminina glory last year and her side did not concede a single goal at the tournament. During her time as a coach, Sundhage has taken charge of some of the biggest nations, including the United States and Sweden.
This year's prize was determined from a six-person shortlist, which also included Hayes, Canada boss Bev Priestman and Germany's head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. Voters, which included coaches, captains, journalists, and fans made their top three choices for the prize.
Nominated national team coaches could not vote for themselves, however, and that list was whittled down to three finalists earlier this month. Aside from Wiegman and Hayes, the award has previously been won by Silvia Neid, Reynald Pedros and Jill Ellis.
After winning the award, Wiegman said: "From when I could walk I have loved football. It's just incredible to be right here and to celebrate women's football. Little girls have their idols and inspirations. So many people across the world have worked so hard to get the game where it is right now.
"As for last summer, the stadiums were full. Wembley was full and there were so many families in the stadiums celebrating football. Behind me is a big team. Without great players you are nowhere.Last but not least, my family have seen me more on TV than at home. Thank you for supporting me."
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