Elena Sadiku Among the World’s Five Best Coaches, the Albanian-Born Manager Nominated for Major Award

Elena Sadiku has written another extraordinary chapter in her career. The Swedish coach of Kosovo-Albanian heritage has been named among the five nominees for the 2026 Women’s Coach of the Year award, presented as part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Sadiku is competing for this prestigious honor against four prominent figures in international women’s football: Jonatan Giráldez, Andrée Jeglertz, Nils Nielsen and Pere Romeu.

She is also the only woman among the five nominees, making her nomination even more significant.

The 2026 Women’s Coach of the Year Nominees Jonatan Giráldez – Spain, OL Lyonnes Andrée Jeglertz – Sweden, Manchester City Nils Nielsen – Denmark, Japan national team Pere Romeu – Spain, Barcelona Elena Sadiku – Sweden, Celtic/BK Häcken

Sadiku’s nomination recognizes her highly successful work with both Celtic and BK Häcken.

From a Career-Ending Injury to the Elite of World Coaching

Elena Sadiku was born on November 6, 1993, in Bocholt, Germany, to an Albanian family from Kosovo. Her family experienced the consequences of the Kosovo War before eventually settling in Sweden when Elena was around seven years old.

Football became an important part of her life. Sadiku played as a midfielder for LdB Malmö, Kristianstads DFF, Eskilstuna United and Hammarby IF. She also represented Sweden at under-19 level, recording 14 appearances and scoring two goals.

However, her playing career was severely affected by injuries. Sadiku suffered three anterior cruciate ligament injuries and later developed a dangerous infection following surgery, threatening not only her leg but also her life.

Forced to retire at the age of 23, she did not walk away from football. Instead, she transformed her pain and adversity into motivation to begin a new career as a coach.

Making History With Celtic

After gaining coaching experience in Sweden, China, Denmark and England, Sadiku was appointed head coach of Celtic Women in January 2024, becoming the first female head coach in the history of the club’s women’s team.

During her first season, she guided Celtic to the first league championship in the club’s history. Her team secured the Scottish title following a dramatic battle with Rangers, winning the championship on goal difference.

The success did not end there. Under Sadiku’s leadership, Celtic became the first Scottish women’s club to reach the main stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

A European Trophy With BK Häcken

In December 2025, Sadiku left Celtic to take charge of Swedish champions BK Häcken, signing a three-year contract.

The Swedish club selected her because of her energy, leadership qualities and commitment to developing players.

Only a few months after her appointment, she guided Häcken to victory in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, defeating Hammarby 4–2 on aggregate in the final.

That international success, combined with her historic achievements at Celtic, has established Sadiku as one of the most highly regarded coaches in world football.

A Source of Pride for Albanians

Although she represents Sweden, Elena Sadiku has never hidden her Albanian heritage or her family’s roots in Kosovo.

Her family’s experience during the war, their journey as refugees, her career-threatening injuries and her subsequent rise to the summit of European football make this nomination about much more than sporting success.

From a young girl who found safety in football after experiencing the trauma of war to a title-winning coach competing with Europe’s biggest names, Elena Sadiku now stands among the five leading coaches in women’s football.

Her nomination for the 2026 Women’s Coach of the Year award is well deserved—and a proud moment for Albanians everywhere.