Johan Cruyff Trophy: Euro 2025 winner Wiegman beats Super Falcons coach Madugu to award

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu was on Monday evening in Paris denied the Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded to the Women’s Coach of the Year, at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which saw 2025 European Championship-winning manager Sarina Wiegman take home the prestigious accolade.

Madugu, 61, who made history as the sole African coach nominated, had been recognized for leading Nigeria to their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. 

The Super Falcons’ remarkable 3-2 comeback win over Morocco in the final, sealed by Jennifer Echegini’s late strike, had been cited as a key achievement in his nomination.

Despite Madugu’s milestone success and global recognition, Wiegman’s accomplishments with the England women’s national team proved decisive. 

Wiegman, widely celebrated for her tactical acumen and leadership, emerged as the winner amid strong competition that also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers.

Before his nomination, Madugu had built his coaching career with Nigerian clubs Adamawa United and Plateau United, taking over the Super Falcons in 2024 following Randy Waldrum’s resignation.

Although he did not secure the Ballon d’Or, Madugu’s nomination reinforced his status as one of Africa’s most influential women’s football coaches, showcasing the continent’s growing presence in global football leadership.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet, marked a historic edition, presenting an equal number of awards for men and women for the first time.

Wale Adejumo

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