From a promising player to a celebrated coach, Renee Slegers has rewritten history with Arsenal, guiding them to their first Women’s Champions League title in 18 years. This is the story of the Dutch trailblazer who is being hailed as the “next Sarina Wiegman.”
A journey from player to coach
Renee Slegers’ connection with Arsenal started early—she joined the club’s academy at just 17 in 2006. Although her playing career at Arsenal was brief, featuring only one senior appearance before she left in 2007, the club’s legacy of Champions League success left a lasting impression. At that time, Arsenal had just been crowned winners under the guidance of coach Emma Hayes’s predecessor, and little did Slegers know that she would one day return to bring them European glory once again.
Before a severe knee injury abruptly ended her playing days in 2016, Slegers was known for her sharp footballing intelligence. Leonne Stentler, a former teammate in the Netherlands national team, described her as “very intelligent” with impeccable technique and an acute sense of positioning. Slegers’ career spanned Dutch club Willem II and Swedish teams Djurgårdens and Linköping, where she impressed fans and teammates alike. Despite her injury ending her career prematurely, those who played alongside her speak of her on-field intelligence and leadership with admiration.
The ideal coach emerges
Transitioning from player to coach wasn’t a given for Slegers. While she studied communication sciences alongside football, some doubted coaching was her destined path. “She was way too intelligent to do something in coaching,” Stentler remarked, predicting a future in corporate leadership instead. However, as word spread about Slegers pursuing her UEFA coaching licence, excitement built within the Dutch football community, with experts eagerly anticipating her rise. Many saw her as the perfect successor to Sarina Wiegman, who had set a high standard for Dutch coaching excellence.
Her coaching career began in Sweden, where she took charge of Limhamn Bunkeflo and the Sweden Under-23s before moving up to manage Rosengård’s B team. When Jonas Eidevall left Rosengård to become Arsenal’s head coach in 2021, Slegers was promoted to lead the first team, securing back-to-back league titles. In 2023, she joined Arsenal in a player development role before becoming Eidevall’s assistant and then interim head coach after his resignation. Her initial 11-game unbeaten streak as interim coach proved her capability, earning her the permanent position.
Leadership that inspires confidence
Slegers’ impact at Arsenal has been transformative. Left-back Katie McCabe praises her for “instilling confidence and belief” in the squad, highlighting the trust players place in her leadership. Former Scotland defender Jen Beattie echoed this sentiment, saying Slegers “always gave you the time” and listened carefully to players’ needs and tactical understanding.
Her approach to coaching emphasizes personalized communication and empowerment. “She knows how to make every player think about tactical ideas and how to approach them,” Stentler noted, praising Slegers’ tactical acumen and emotional intelligence. The Dutch coach’s calm yet confident demeanor has helped players flourish under pressure, particularly in high-stakes matches like Arsenal’s spectacular comeback wins against Real Madrid and Lyon en route to the Champions League final.
Grounded, approachable, and driven
Behind the scenes, Renee Slegers is known for her grounded personality and sense of humour, balancing calm composure with warmth and accessibility. Despite her seemingly stoic presence during tense matches, she has revealed she feels emotions deeply, though she maintains control on the sidelines. Stentler highlights Slegers’ natural charm and ease, saying, “It’s easy to be in the same room as Renee.”
Slegers’ close friendships and family life further reveal a down-to-earth character. Jonathan Bartling, Rosengård’s head of youth coaching and a longtime friend, describes her as family-oriented and handy, often engaging in home improvement and gardening projects. This grounded nature has helped her remain resilient through the pressures of elite coaching.
A role model for the future
Winning the Champions League with Arsenal is the pinnacle of Slegers’ career so far, but her influence extends beyond trophies. She serves as a role model for aspiring coaches and young women in football, embodying belief, perseverance, and authenticity. Bartling sums it up: “She’s firmly planted with both feet on the ground. It’s the kind of person you can lean on.”
As Renee Slegers continues to lead Arsenal into a new era of success, her journey from talented player to one of Europe’s brightest coaching stars inspires a generation. The story of “the next Wiegman” is still being written—but one thing is clear: the future of women’s football is in capable and passionate hands.
