FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE has paid tribute to those from the world of English football who have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list for 2026.
A number of the England women’s senior team players and staff have received honours following their success at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, including an honorary DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for Sarina Wiegman, a title which is only awarded to foreign nationals for services to the UK or for international achievement.
Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, who was also the skipper when England won their first EURO on home soil in 2022, has been honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) having previously received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List of 2022.
There are also MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awards for a further four members of the squad in the shape of Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone following their contribution.
Further recognition comes with an MBE for the long-serving England women’s team doctor Dr Ritan Mehta, head of women's medical at the FA, who has been working with the Lionesses for over ten years having previously worked with men’s and women's development teams.
England women’s first Black international and goalscorer Kerry Davis has also been recognised with an MBE for her services to football and diversity in sport. During her career with the Lionesses, Davis scored 43 goals in 90 appearances following her debut in 1982.
Aside from England related recognition, the PFA’s director of equality, diversity and inclusion Simone Pound receives an MBE for her services to football.
Former Tottenham Hotspur executive chairman Daniel Levy receives a CBE for services to charity and the community of Tottenham while there’s an OBE for football commentator Clive Tyldesley for services to broadcasting and charity.
“It has been another historic year for the Lionesses, and on behalf of everyone at the FA, I would like to congratulate Alex, Ella, Georgia, Keira and Leah,” said Hewitt.
“All of their contributions extend far beyond their outstanding performances on the pitch, which helped secure back-to-back European Championships in 2022 and 2025. Equally important is their shared commitment to making a positive impact on society. Each of them has embraced the responsibility of being a role model for a generation of girls with sincerity and purpose. They have not only lifted trophies but helped lift the sport and society itself. Their recognition is thoroughly deserved.
“In Sarina Wiegman, we feel incredibly privileged to have not only the world’s leading head coach, but also an exceptional leader - someone who leads with integrity, humility, and a deep belief in human connection. This award recognises her remarkable achievements on the pitch and the profound impact she continues to make away from it. It is further testament to how she has captured the hearts of the English public.
“Our sincere congratulations also to Dr Ritan Mehta on being awarded an MBE. Having worked with the Lionesses with distinction since 2014, we are delighted his contribution to the team, and the sport, has been recognised in this way.
“We would also like to pay tribute to the entire EURO squad and support staff. Each and every individual played a vital role in this summer’s success. In the environment Sarina’s nurtured, no contribution is greater than any other and we are immensely proud of them all.
“Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations, on behalf of the FA, to other members of the football family who have been recognised with honours. The current generation of Lionesses stand on the shoulders of trailblazers such as Kerry Davis. The sport would not be where it is today without her contribution, and we all have much to thank her for.
“Likewise, Simone Pound of the PFA has shown tireless endeavour day-in-day-out to strive for a game free from discrimination and she deserves huge praise. An MBE for both Kerry and Simone is a fitting tribute for all they have done.
“We are also delighted to hear that Daniel Levy, former Tottenham Chairman, and Clive Tyldesley, football commentator, have both been recognised. They have been awarded a CBE and an OBE respectively in recognition of their impact on football and society. We send our congratulations and appreciation to both for their positive impact on the game.”
