Former Celtic FC Women head coach Elena Sadiku has been named among the nominees for the prestigious 2026 Ballon d'Or Women's Coach of the Year award.

A Historic Tenure at Celtic

Sadiku took charge of Celtic FC Women in January 2024 and left an indelible mark on the club during her tenure. Under her guidance, Celtic secured their first-ever Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season against Hibernian.

Her tactical leadership and transformative impact helped elevate Celtic FC Women onto the continental stage, making her nomination for world football's highest individual coaching honor a fitting tribute to her accomplishments.

In December of 2025, the 32-year-old moved on, to BK Häcken in the Danish Damallsvenskan. Making a remarkable immediate impact, she subsequently orchestrated a Women’s Europa Cup triumph. It was the club’s first continental honour since forming in 1970.

Sadiku is not only a coach of high regard. She is a coach that transforms.