Born: 1960
Pia Mariane Sundhage is a Swedish football manager and former professional player. She was born on February 13, 1960. Sundhage is currently the head coach of the Brazil women’s national team. Throughout her career, she has made a significant impact on women’s football and has achieved numerous accolades.
As a player, Sundhage primarily played as a forward for the Sweden national team. However, she also had occasional stints as a midfielder and a sweeper. Her skill and talent on the field were evident, and she retired as the top scorer for the Swedish national team. Sundhage’s contributions to the team were instrumental in their success.
Sundhage’s club career began with IFK Ulricehamn as a youth player. She later joined Falköpings KIK in 1978 and then moved to Jitex BK from 1979 to 1981. Sundhage’s remarkable goal-scoring ability earned her a move to Östers IF, where she scored an impressive 30 goals in her first season. She continued to excel, scoring 35 more goals in her second season. Sundhage also played for Stattena IF, S.S. Lazio, and Jitex BK before joining Hammarby IF DFF in 1986. She returned to Jitex BK in 1989 and finished her career with Hammarby IF DFF, retiring in 1996. Sundhage won four Damallsvenskan championships, all with Jitex BK, and two Svenska Cupen with both Jitex BK and Hammarby IF DFF.
Internationally, Sundhage represented the Sweden national team from a young age. She made her debut at just 15 years old and went on to earn 146 caps, scoring 71 goals for her country. Sundhage’s goal tally tied her with Lena Videkull for the most in Swedish national team history. This record has since been surpassed by Hanna Ljungberg and Lotta Schelin. Sundhage showcased her skills on the international stage, participating in the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 1996 Summer Olympics. She performed exceptionally well in the 1984 UEFA Women’s Championship, leading Sweden to victory while also being the top scorer of the tournament. In recognition of her achievements, Sundhage’s image appeared on a Swedish postage stamp in 1988. Additionally, she scored the first goal in a women’s match at Wembley Stadium in 1989, as Sweden defeated England 2-0.
After retiring as a player, Sundhage transitioned into coaching. She began her coaching career as a player/manager and continued to develop her skills. Sundhage’s coaching abilities caught the attention of the United States women’s national team, and she was appointed as the head coach in 2008. Under Sundhage’s leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, winning two Olympic gold medals and reaching the final of the World Cup. Her ability to inspire and motivate her players was evident in their performances on the field. In recognition of her achievements, Sundhage was awarded the 2012 FIFA World Coach of the Year.
Sundhage returned to her native Sweden in 2012, where she became the head coach of the Sweden women’s national football team. During her tenure, Sweden won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics. Sundhage’s strategic approach and managerial skills contributed to the team’s success. She played a vital role in the development of women’s football in Sweden and further cemented her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the sport.
Pia Sundhage’s dedication to women’s football and her remarkable achievements as both a player and a coach have left an indelible mark on the sport. Her impact goes far beyond the field, as she has inspired countless individuals and played an instrumental role in advancing women’s football. Sundhage’s contributions to the game will continue to be celebrated and acknowledged for years to come.
Awards:
– 2012 FIFA World Coach of the Year.