What It Takes

Winning strategies of one of football’s most successful coaches

As FIFA's most decorated female football manager and a former player, Sarina Wiegman has led both the Netherlands and England women's national teams to historic victories. She stands out as a true pioneer in the game, and her coaching philosophy has earned her a reputation as one of the most successful coaches in football history.

This personal account of Sarina's life journey begins with her early passion for football, and covers her key moments on the pitch as well as her ascension to the top of the coaching world. Join Sarina as she talks us through her rollercoaster ride of victories and challenges, the tough decisions she had to make both on and off the pitch, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that saw her rise to become an indomitable figure in the world of sports.

And, it’s not just about the game. In a world where football has become more competitive than ever, Sarina's revolutionary approach to leadership, mentorship, and performance management has garnered global attention. In What It Takes we gain invaluable insight into Sarina’s unique philosophy, as she shares how she fostered an environment that values determination, teamwork, and mutual respect. A strong advocate for women in the sport, she outlines a transformative and inclusive future for football where everyone has an equal chance to shine, irrespective of gender.

About the Author

Sarina Wiegman CBE is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in women's football history. Her rise to the top of the coaching world began after a successful playing career and she has had an immense impact on the game as a player, coach, and leader.. As a top international coach in women's football, Wiegman became the head coach of England in September 2021 and led the team to their first trophy as champions of the Women's Euros 2022. This was the first trophy for an English senior team of either gender since the men's team won the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Before coaching the England team, Wiegman coached the women's Dutch team. She led the team to the final of the UEFA Women's Euro 2017, where they defeated Denmark 4-2 to win their first major championship. She also coached the Netherlands to the final of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and guided England to the finals of the 2023 World Cup, where both teams finished as runners-up, respectively.