England manager Wiegman a ´national treasure´, claims Hayes

Emma Hayes has lauded England boss Sarina Wiegman as a “national treasure”, claiming that “she has done it all” in football management.

Since taking over in 2021, Wiegman has led England to three consecutive major finals, including back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.

Despite narrowly losing 1-0 to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, the four-time FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year’s England side avenged that defeat in July, retaining their European crown by beating La Roja 3-1 on penalties.

Hayes, who led the United States to an Olympic gold in Paris in 2024, has faced Wiegman on one occasion during her managerial career, with the USA and England playing out a goalless draw in November 2024.

Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman, by far elected coaches of the year! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Jkxdnzpirj

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) September 27, 2025

“I mean where do you begin? She’s done it all. Done it all as a player, a coach, she’s done it two different countries,” Hayes said, talking exclusively to Stats Perform.

“She always finds a way to win; she’s got a great mentality. To be honest, I look forward to seeing her. We’ve always had a good relationship when I was at Chelsea and that will still be the case.”

Since taking to the helm as England boss, Wiegman has overseen four penalty shootout wins, ensuring a 100% record, with Chloe Kelly scoring the winner in three of those four.

“I’m sure when we face each other in the next major moment, we’re rivals,” Hayes added.

“But until then, we support each other and she’s a national treasure and deserves the recognition and I’m sure everybody is very grateful for her just as I am.”