What is an honorary damehood? England fans call for Sarina Wiegman to receive royal honour | OneFootball

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England fans have called for Sarina Wiegman to receive an honorary damehood following the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph.

The Lionesses have won back-to-back Women’s Euros titles after beating Spain in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.

Wiegman’s side have been celebrating the victory ever since, with a trophy parade held in London on Tuesday.

There have been multiple reports that Wiegman could receive an honorary damehood after winning her second trophy with England.

Wiegman was previously named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) on the UK’s overseas list following England’s victory at Euro 2022.

Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton are expected to earn MBE’s after their performances at Euro 2025.

Kelly scored the winning penalty for England in the final against Spain, after netting the winning goal against Germany in 2022.

She is 7/4 second-favourite with UK betting websites to win Sports Personality of the Year, just behind golfer Rory McIlroy.

What is an honorary damehood?

Honorary damehoods are honours given to people who have made contributions to the United Kingdom or international affairs but are not citizens of the UK.

If Wiegman is made a dame, it would be an honorary damehood as she is a Dutch citizen.

Wiegman was reportedly in line for an honorary damehood if England won the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

What Sarina Wiegman said about potentially receiving a damehood

The England boss was asked about the potential of being made an honorary dame during the team’s trip to Downing Street on Monday.

When quizzed about potentially receiving a damehood, she said: “I haven’t thought about that.”

“I feel so much respect from England and the Royal Family, too, and I think that’s the most important thing. I feel very special to get so much respect from England.”

England fans call for Sarina Wiegman to receive a damehood

There have been calls on social media from England fans for Sarina Wiegman to receive a damehood.

Leading the calls is former Lioness Lianne Sanderson who commented: “HONORARY DAME SARINA WIEGMAN THAT IS ALL!!!”

@jdpoc tweeted: “Honorary damehood, please, for Sarina Wiegman. No-one has done more for women’s football, or indeed, sport.”

StuartAFC posted: “Surely Sarina Wiegman should get an honorary knighthood/damehood? What she’s done for women’s football in England is massive.”

John Dawson added: “Arise, Dame Sarina! If Gareth Southgate is knighted for losing two finals, Sarina Wiegman should be England’s first Dutch Dame!”

Wiegman was in good spirits during England’s trophy parade in London on Tuesday.

The Dutch manager danced on stage with her favourite musician Burna Boy.

Another England fan joked: “Sarina Wiegman. Doesn’t care about becoming Dame. Doesn’t care people chant her name. Just wants to see Burna Boy.”

What other coaches have been knighted or given a damehood?

Sarina Wiegman would be the first women’s football coach to receive a damehood if the title is awarded to her.

Alf Ramsey, who led the men’s side to their only major title at the 1966 World Cup, received a knighthood.

At men’s club level, Alex Ferguson, Bobby Robson, Kenny Dalglish, Gareth Southgate, Matt Busby and Walter Winterbottom have also been knighted.

Who has received honorary knighthoods/damehoods?

In sport, the only people to receive an honorary knighthood or damehood are Pele and Jacques Rogge – the former president of the Olympic Committee who had a big role in London 2012.

Other notable names include Angelina Jolie, U2 singer Bono, Bill Gates and movie director Steven Spielberg.