The New Year Honours list has been dominated by England's women's sporting heroes, celebrating a landmark year that saw the Lionesses retain their European crown and the Red Roses win the Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Football and Rugby Stars Recognised
England women's football manager Sarina Wiegman has been awarded an honorary damehood for her phenomenal success in leading the Lionesses to back-to-back European Championship titles and a World Cup final. As a Dutch national, she receives the honour in an honorary capacity.
Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, who lifted the Euro 2025 trophy in Switzerland, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Four of her teammates—Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, and Keira Walsh—have each been appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their pivotal roles in the summer's triumph.
In rugby union, the victorious Red Roses squad has been richly rewarded following their World Cup win. Captain Zoe Aldcroft, vice-captain Marlie Packer, and head coach John Mitchell all become OBEs. Players Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya, and Ellie Kildunne are awarded MBEs.
Broad Recognition Across Sport
The honours extend beyond the players to those who contributed off the pitch. The Football Association's chair, Debbie Hewitt, praised Wiegman for capturing "the hearts of the English public." Dr Ritan Mehta, the Lionesses' head of medical for 11 years, receives an MBE for services to football.
There is also significant recognition for the organisers of the successful Rugby World Cup in England. Tournament managing director Sarah Massey becomes an MBE, while board chair Gill Whitehead is made an OBE.
In a nod to sporting history, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been honoured with a damehood and a knighthood respectively, over four decades after their iconic gold medal performance at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics.
Notable Omissions and Further Honours
Despite the widespread acclaim, some notable Lionesses were omitted from the list, including Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, Michelle Agyemang, and Alessia Russo, who scored England's goal in the final against Spain.
The list also celebrates pioneers and broadcasters. Kerry Davis, England's first black female international footballer who earned 44 caps, receives an MBE for services to football and diversity. Broadcaster Gabby Logan, former marathon champion Paula Radcliffe, and commentator Clive Tyldesley were all made OBEs.
Reflecting on the historic year for women's sport, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated: "To have two England teams – in two of our most loved sports – win major tournaments in the space of a few months was just extraordinary."
