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Sarina Wiegman expresses ‘sincere gratitude’ for honorary damehood in New Year Honours list, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean recognised


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Sarina Wiegman will receive an honorary damehood after the 2026 New Year Honours list was confirmed on Monday evening.

Wiegman has been bestowed with an honorary DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire), only given to foreign nationals, while legendary ice skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will receive a damehood and knighthood respectively.

Wiegman and four members of England’s victorious Women’s Euros squad will receive honours, with captain Leah Williamson receiving an OBE, while Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone all become MBEs.

The first Black Lioness, Kerry Davis, is also recognised for her services to football and diversity in sport, receiving an MBE.

Reacting to the news, Wiegman said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honour. When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced from the English people. I deeply thank the fans for their support.

“This title is a reflection of my exceptional team of players and staff. Our team values mean that when there is recognition for one, then there is recognition for all. I want to pay tribute to every member of our Euro squad. They should all be celebrated for everything they brought to the pitch and for the positive role they play in society.”

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“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,” added FA chair Debbie Hewitt.

“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. Equally important is their shared commitment to making a positive impact on society.

“Each of them has embraced the responsibility of being a role model for a generation of girls with sincerity and purpose. They have not only lifted trophies but helped lift the sport and society itself. Their recognition is thoroughly deserved.

“In Sarina Wiegman, we feel incredibly privileged to have not only the world’s leading head coach, but also an exceptional leader – someone who leads with integrity, humility, and a deep belief in human connection. This award recognises her remarkable achievements on the pitch and the profound impact she continues to make away from it. It is further testament to how she has captured the hearts of the English public.

“Our sincere congratulations also to Dr Ritan Mehta (head of medical and team doctor) on being awarded an MBE. Having worked with the Lionesses with distinction since 2014, we are delighted his contribution to the team, and the sport, has been recognised in this way.”

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It has been a remarkable year for women’s sport, reflected by several of England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup winning squad also being included on the star-studded list.

Their New Zealander coach John Mitchell will be given an OBE, as will captain Zoe Stratford.

An OBE and MBE go to Marlie Packer and Megan Jones respectively, with Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne also set to receive MBEs.

A host of other sporting figures have also been honoured, including marathon legend Paula Radcliffe, who will be handed an OBE.

Sport climber Toby Roberts is the youngest recipient of an award on the list, and will receive an MBE at the age of 20 after winning a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy will be given a CBE for his services to the community during his 25-year spell at the club.

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