Dame Sarina Wiegman extends Lionesses contract as LGBTQ+ stars inspire
Wiegman will lead England until 2029 as openly LGBTQ+ footballers Beth Mead and Jess Carter help make representation in women’s football more visible.
Sarina Wiegman has extended her contract as England women’s head coach until 2029, giving the Lionesses continuity as they build on their success and openly LGBTQ+ players continue to inspire supporters.
The Football Association confirmed the new deal on 19 October, keeping Wiegman in charge through to the end of UEFA Women’s EURO 2029 in Germany. She has already led England to back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025, as well as the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Wiegman will now continue working with a team that has become a source of pride for millions of supporters.
With the Lionesses preparing for their next major challenges, fans will be hoping for more memorable moments under the coach who has helped deliver some of the most successful years in England women’s football history.
Alongside their achievements on the pitch, several Lionesses have helped make LGBTQ+ representation more visible in elite sport.
England forward Beth Mead has spoken publicly about her relationship with fellow footballer Vivianne Miedema and Defender Jess Carter is also in a relationship with German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has also shared details of her relationship with her partner, Kitty, in her autobiography, All In. Although Earps retired from international football in 2025, she remains a prominent figure in the Lionesses’ recent history.
Their relationships have brought further visibility to LGBTQ+ couples in professional football.
England’s EURO 2025 triumph introduced the team to huge audiences and gave its players a platform well beyond the pitch.
For LGBTQ+ supporters, seeing successful athletes who are open about their identities can make representation feel more familiar and provide encouragement to younger fans who want to pursue their own sporting ambitions.
As Wiegman looks ahead to the next chapter with England, the Lionesses have plenty more to aim for.
Their success, alongside the visibility of openly LGBTQ+ players, continues to show how women’s football can bring people together and give supporters more reasons to feel part of the game.
Image credit: The Lionesses’ official Instagram account.
