Arsenal Captain Recognised on Football’s New Year Honours List 2026 as Lionesses Dominate

England’s Lionesses were the standout footballing presence in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours List, with players, staff and trailblazers from the women’s game taking centre stage after another landmark year for English football.

Off the pitch, long-serving executives and broadcasters were also recognised for their lasting contributions to the sport.

Lionesses rewarded in New Year’s Honours after historic 2025

At the heart of the list is England boss Sarina Wiegman, who has been awarded an honorary damehood (DBE) after guiding England to back-to-back European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.

The Dutch coach became the first manager to successfully defend a Women’s Euros title, further cementing her status as one of the most influential figures in the modern game.

Wiegman — who also won the Women’s Coach of the Year prize at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Awards — described the honour as a reflection of the collective rather than the individual. She paid tribute to her players and staff for what they achieved together during a relentless but ultimately triumphant 2025 campaign.

FA Chair Debbie Hewitt echoed that sentiment, describing the latest recognition as another defining moment for the women’s game in England.

“All of their contributions extend far beyond their outstanding performances on the pitch,” Hewitt said. “They have not only lifted trophies but helped lift the sport and society itself. Their recognition is thoroughly deserved.”

England captain Leah Williamson has been appointed a CBE, a step up from the OBE she received in 2023. It caps a remarkable period for the Arsenal defender, who not only lifted the Euros trophy again with the Lionesses but also captained the Gunners to UEFA Women’s Champions League glory in 2025.

Four of Williamson’s international teammates — Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone — have also been awarded MBEs for their services to football, reflecting both sustained on-field success and their wider impact as role models.

Hewitt added that Wiegman’s influence extends well beyond results alone, calling her “an exceptional leader” whose impact has been felt both on and off the pitch.

Football figures honoured in the 2026 New Year Honours

Name	Role	Honour
Sarina Wiegman	England women’s head coach	Honorary DBE
Leah Williamson	England and Arsenal captain	CBE
Alex Greenwood	England defender	MBE
Keira Walsh	England midfielder	MBE
Georgia Stanway	England midfielder	MBE
Ella Toone	England midfielder	MBE
Daniel Levy	Former Tottenham Hotspur chairman	CBE
Fergus McCann	Former Celtic chief executive	CBE
Ann Budge	Former Hearts chair	OBE
Jim Craig	Former Celtic defender (Lisbon Lions)	OBE
Gabby Logan	Presenter	OBE
Clive Tyldesley	Football commentator	OBE

England’s long-serving team doctor Ritan Mehta has also been recognised with an MBE, highlighting the importance of backroom staff in sustaining elite performance at international level.

Beyond the pitch, former Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been appointed a CBE for services to charity and the community in Tottenham. Levy stepped down as Tottenham chairman in September after almost 25 years in charge.

Despite widespread criticism during his tenure, Levy did many things well at Spurs, and his recognition places football governance alongside on-field achievement in this year’s honours list.

Broadcasting was also recognised, with Match of the Day presenter Gabby Logan and commentator Clive Tyldesley both receiving OBEs for services to sports broadcasting and charity — a reminder of the voices that have helped shape football’s modern audience.

Scottish football was strongly represented too, with former Celtic chief executive Fergus McCann and ex-Hearts chair Ann Budge honoured for their pivotal roles in stabilising and rebuilding their clubs, while Lisbon Lions defender Jim Craig was recognised for services to Scottish football and charity.