Football is frequently seen as a sport controlled by men, particularly when it comes to coaching. However, there are several examples of successful and significant female coaches throughout football history. Here are five of the finest female football coaches in history who defied stereotypes, motivated future generations, and produced outstanding outcomes.
Jill Ellis (United States) – 2 FIFA Women’s World Cup Titles
Jill Ellis is the most successful coach in FIFA Women's World Cup history after leading the United States to back-to-back championships in 2015 and 2019. She is the only coach to have captured two Women's World Cup championships. After serving as an assistant coach and an interim coach, Ellis became the US national team's permanent coach in 2014. Carli Lloyd scored a hat-trick as her side defeated Japan 5-2 in the World Cup final to win its third championship under her leadership. Megan Rapinoe won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot trophies, and the squad won its fourth World Cup victory under her leadership in 2019, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the championship game. Ellis retired from coaching the US team in 2019, leaving behind a record of 106 victories, seven defeats, and 19 ties. In 2015 and 2019, she received the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Football award.
Silvia Neid (Germany) – 1 FIFA Women’s World Cup Title, 2 Olympic Gold Medals
Silvia Neid is one of women's football's most distinguished coaches, having led Germany to two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory. She was also a former athlete who represented Germany in three European Championships and one World Cup. Neid spent 11 years as an assistant coach before taking over as Germany's head coach in 2005. In 2007, she helped Germany win its second World Cup title after defeating Brazil 2-0 in the championship game with goals by Birgit Prinz. In 2008 and 2016, she also guided Germany to two Olympic gold medals. After winning 81 of her 111 games in charge of Germany, she retired in 2016. Three times, in 2010 and 2013, she received the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women's Football award.
Emma Hayes (England) – 4 FA WSL Titles, 2 FA Cups
With four FA Women's Super League (WSL) championships and two FA Cup victories with Chelsea, Emma Hayes is one of the most successful women's football managers in England. She has been at Chelsea since 2012, making her one of the WSL's longest-tenured coaches. By luring some of the finest players in the world, including Sam Kerr, Pernille Harder, and Fran Kirby, Hayes turned Chelsea into a dominant force in both English and European football. Her leadership helped Chelsea win its first WSL championship in 2015, which was followed by three more in 2017–18, 2019–20, and 2020–21. In 2014–15 and 2017–18, she also guided Chelsea to two FA Cup victories. In 2021, she became the first female coach to lead Chelsea to the UEFA Women's Champions League final, where Barcelona triumphed.
Corinne Diacre (France) – First Female Coach of a Men’s Professional Team
Being the first female coach of a men's professional team in France makes Corinne Diacre a pioneer of women's football. She was also a former athlete who led France as captain and led CNFE Clairefontaine to three league championships. In 2014, Diacre was appointed head coach of men's second-division team Clermont Foot, becoming the first woman in French history to hold the position. She guided Clermont to honorable outcomes, winning the admiration of her teammates and her contemporaries. After three seasons, she departed Clermont to take the helm of France's women's national team in 2017. She steered France to host the tournament and through to the FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinals.
Hope Powell (England) – First Female Coach of England Women’s National Team
Hope Powell, the first female coach of the England women's national team and the first to get the UEFA Pro Licence, is a pioneer in the field of women's football. She was a former footballer who played 66 times for England and scored 35 goals. At the age of 31, Powell became the head coach of England, making her the youngest person to ever lead an England national team. She made England's squad competitive after it had been a struggling one, helping them to qualify for six major competitions and go to the 2009 UEFA Women's Championship final, which they lost to Germany. She served as Great Britain's Olympic coach in 2012. After fifteen years in charge, she departed England in 2013. She now serves as the WSL team's head coach for Brighton & Hove Albion.
