England Lionesses and England Red Roses took home awards in the New Year’s Honors list after securing more major silverware in 2025.
England Women’s coach Sarina Wiegman was made an honorary wife after leading the Lionesses to the successful defense of their European Championship title, with several of her team also receiving the honour.
“I am truly grateful for this honor,” said Wigman, who has held the position since September 2021.
“When I first arrived in the UK, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I felt from the British people. I am deeply grateful to my fans for their support.”
Also honored was team captain Leah Williamson, who was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). The other four European champions – Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Keira Walsh – each received an Order of the British Empire (MBE).
England Women’s Rugby World Cup winning captain Zoe Stratford (née Aldcroft) is one of five players recognized in the New Year Honors.
Red Roses captain Zoe Stratford (née Aldcroft), team-mate Marlie Packer and manager John Mitchell have been appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honours, following their Women’s Rugby World Cup success.
Three Red Roses players were also recognized. Megan Jones, Sadia Kabeya and Ellie Kildunne have been made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
“It’s a special privilege to be named in the King’s New Year’s Honors alongside my amazing teammates,” said Stratford, who won the World Cup in September by beating Canada in the final.
“This recognition is not just mine. This year, I was able to feel the love and support of so many people, and I am truly grateful.
“As Red Roses, our goal has always been to inspire and we hope we will continue to do so in 2026 and make people across the country incredibly proud.”
“I am very honored to receive this award, but I want to be clear that it reflects the achievements of the Red Roses World Cup-winning team and the outstanding staff around them,” Mitchell said.
New Zealand-born Red Roses manager John Mitchell was also awarded an OBE.
Pioneering footballer Kerry Davis, who became England’s first black female international in 1982 and won 90 caps for her country over 16 years, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Among the sporting figures recognized are former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and former Celtic chief executive Fergus McCann, both of whom were awarded a Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Elsewhere, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean received dames and knighthoods.
Dame Jayne, 68, and Sir Christopher, 67, were recognized for their ice skating and volunteer work almost 52 years after winning Olympic gold in Sarajevo in 1984.
Torvill and Dean’s respective honors provide a fitting end to a year that marked their final tour before retirement.
Dame Jayne told the Press Association: “It just seems perfect, the timing.”
“We did our last tour of the year and it was a big deal for us. We had a really good time and were so happy with the tour and the fact that we got through it.”
Sir Christopher confirmed he would have no second thoughts about returning to the ice as Dame Jane and Sir Christopher respectively, adding: “I’m happy now. I’m retired. That’s all.”
“Maugham has been skating for over 50 years and being able to do this final tour on our own terms is exactly what we wanted. And 50 years (of the tour) is a huge number.”
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have been knighted and knighted for their services to ice skating and volunteering, 52 years after winning Olympic gold in 1984.
Monaco-based former world marathon champion and broadcaster Paula Radcliffe has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to sport.
Broadcasters Gabby Logan and Clive Tyldesley have both been appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to broadcasting and charity, while broadcaster and former England cricketer Isa Guha has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to inclusiveness and cricket.
Rhys McClenaghan, who won Ireland’s first Olympic gymnastics medal with gold at the Paris 2024 Games, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), as has Toby Roberts, Britain’s Paris 2024 sport climbing champion.
