Top Ten Female Football Coaches in the World: The Icons Leading the Beautiful Game
In the dynamic world of football, women are not just making history on the field but also from the sidelines. This article focuses on the 10 ten female football coaches in the world, celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and tactics of top women shaping the future of soccer. Whether they coach national teams or elite clubs, these women are redefining the sport with innovation and leadership.
The term “female football coaches” has evolved from being a rarity to a respected category in global football. From Sarina Wiegman to Pia Sundhage, these coaching masterminds have left indelible marks in both men’s and women’s competitions.
📊 Quick Data Table: Top 10 Ten Female Football Coaches in the World
| Rank | Name | Nationality | Current Team/Nation | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarina Wiegman | Netherlands | England Women’s National | UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Champion |
| 2 | Pia Sundhage | Sweden | Brazil Women’s National | Olympic Gold Medalist |
| 3 | Jill Ellis | United States | Former USWNT Coach | 2x FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner |
| 4 | Emma Hayes | England | USWNT (incoming) | 6x FA WSL Winner with Chelsea |
| 5 | Bev Priestman | Canada | Canada Women’s National | Olympic Gold 2020 Tokyo |
| 6 | Martina Voss-Tecklenburg | Germany | Germany (recent) | UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Runner-up |
| 7 | Desiree Ellis | South Africa | South Africa Women’s National | Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Winner |
| 8 | Milena Bertolini | Italy | Italy Women’s National | Qualified Italy to FIFA WWC after 20 years |
| 9 | Reynald Pedros | France | Morocco Women’s National | Led Morocco to first-ever WWC appearance |
| 10 | Carolina Morace | Italy | Former Italy/Canada Coach | First woman to coach a men’s pro team |
⚽ Introduction: Celebrating the 10 Ten Female Football Coaches in the World
The 10 ten female football coaches in the world are rewriting football history with groundbreaking achievements. These women are more than strategists—they are pioneers, motivators, and tactical geniuses. As the landscape of football coaching diversifies, these leaders bring vision, discipline, and an inclusive approach that inspires both current and future generations.
From leading World Cup campaigns to transforming club football, each of these women has contributed immensely to the sport. And with growing global recognition and demand, female coaches are now seen as essential figures in football’s growth.
🔥 Top 10 Ten Female Football Coaches in the World (In Detail)
1. Sarina Wiegman – England
Sarina Wiegman is arguably the most successful and recognizable female coach in world football. After guiding the Netherlands to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 and a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 final, she went on to win Euro 2022 with England. Her tactical discipline and team unity are widely praised.
2. Pia Sundhage – Brazil
A Swedish legend, Pia Sundhage has coached the USA, Sweden, and Brazil, winning two Olympic gold medals with the USWNT. She is known for her player-centric coaching and bold offensive setups.
3. Jill Ellis – USA (Former)
Jill Ellis led the United States to back-to-back World Cup titles (2015 and 2019)—a feat no other coach has achieved. Her legacy lies in building a versatile squad and pioneering a new generation of USWNT stars.
4. Emma Hayes – USA (Incoming)
After transforming Chelsea Women into a domestic powerhouse, Emma Hayes was appointed as the new coach for the USWNT in 2024. Her impressive record of winning six FA Women’s Super League titles demonstrates her elite status.
5. Bev Priestman – Canada
Priestman, a former assistant to Phil Neville and England’s U-17 team coach, led Canada to an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020. Her forward-thinking strategies and mental resilience elevated Canada to the global elite.
6. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg – Germany (Former)
Voss-Tecklenburg revived Germany’s women’s football with an impressive Euro 2022 campaign. A former international player herself, her deep tactical knowledge and passion make her a standout coach.
7. Desiree Ellis – South Africa
A three-time CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Desiree Ellis has been instrumental in South Africa’s football rise. Under her leadership, the Banyana Banyana won their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022.
8. Milena Bertolini – Italy
Bertolini brought Italy back into the Women’s World Cup after a 20-year hiatus and helped rejuvenate women’s football in the country. Her leadership style emphasizes youth development and strong defensive play.
9. Reynald Pedros – Morocco
While male, Pedros deserves mention for transforming Morocco’s women’s team, leading them to a first-ever FIFA WWC appearance in 2023. His success exemplifies the global growth of women’s football across Africa and beyond.
10. Carolina Morace – Italy
Carolina Morace was not only a legend as a player but broke barriers by coaching a men’s professional team (Viterbese) in Italy. She’s also led national teams like Canada and Italy, making her a trailblazer in every sense.
🌍 Why Female Football Coaches Matter Globally
The rise of female coaches is not merely symbolic—it reflects deep structural changes in football. Diverse coaching staffs bring broader perspectives, better representation, and tailored mentorship for women athletes. These 10 ten female football coaches in the world are part of this revolution.
According to Wikipedia, women’s football is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and the demand for professional female coaches is at an all-time high.
📚 Common Traits Among the Top 10 Ten Female Football Coaches in the World
-
Leadership: Unquestionable ability to lead teams through adversity and glory.
-
Tactical Innovation: Smart, flexible formations and game plans.
-
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Deep connection with players and staff.
-
Breaking Barriers: Many were “firsts” in their field.
-
International Success: Olympics, World Cups, and continental titles.
💬 FAQs About 10 Ten Female Football Coaches in the World
Q1: Who is the best female football coach in the world right now?
Sarina Wiegman is widely considered the best due to her recent UEFA Euro 2022 triumph with England and her consistent success with the Netherlands.
Q2: How many female coaches have won the FIFA Women’s World Cup?
As of now, Jill Ellis is the only coach (male or female) to win two FIFA Women’s World Cups.
Q3: Are there female coaches in men’s football?
Yes, Carolina Morace famously coached a men’s team in Italy, breaking gender barriers.
Q4: Is Emma Hayes the new USWNT coach?
Yes, Emma Hayes was appointed as USWNT head coach in 2024 after leaving Chelsea Women.
Q5: Which African female coach is most successful?
Desiree Ellis of South Africa is the most successful, winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
📢 The Future of Female Football Coaches
The trajectory is clear: female coaches are no longer the exception—they are becoming the standard. With institutional support from FIFA, UEFA, and national federations, programs are being created to train, license, and mentor more women into leadership roles.
The global acceptance of women in managerial positions, both on and off the pitch, signifies a positive and progressive direction for football.
🔚 Conclusion: Honoring the 10 Ten Female Football Coaches in the World
From Olympic medals to World Cup triumphs, the 10 ten female football coaches in the world have made indelible contributions to the game. These women are more than managers—they are history makers, mentors, and champions of equality in sports.
As the world of football evolves, their leadership will serve as blueprints for the next generation of coaches—regardless of gender.
📌 Related Topics
-
Coaching Licenses for Women in Football
-
Gender Diversity in Sports Management
-
USWNT Coaching History
-
Chelsea Women’s FC Dominance