Elena Sadiku’s humility cracks for just a moment. “I was pretty good,” she admits. “I’m not going to lie.” This statement is delivered in a contextually appropriate manner, avoiding excessive arrogance. Sadiku’s remarkable—and intricately layered—connection to football will reach a new milestone on Tuesday, when her Celtic team takes on Twente in the Women’s Champions League.
At just under 31 years old, Sadiku is poised to become the youngest coach in European football’s premier club competition for both men and women, breaking the record previously held by Julian Nagelsmann.
This moment is especially meaningful for Sadiku. She draws on her past as a player, a career that was abruptly ended in 2018 due to 13 surgeries. At one particularly harrowing point, at the age of 23, she narrowly avoided having her left leg amputated after a knee surgery resulted in a severe infection.
“I dedicated my entire life to becoming a professional player; it was a dream I desired deeply,” the Celtic coach reflects. “When that dream was snatched away, it made me question everything about life. I thought I would give up, believing I had control over my destiny.”
“When I realized I had to stop playing, I didn’t want to work in football, feeling that everything was unfair. However, I soon realized that football is something I can’t imagine living without. It is my greatest passion and has shaped who I am today.”
“I didn’t reach my full potential as a player. My aim now is to help my players achieve their dreams and unlock their potential. I’ve adopted the mindset of being the best coach possible, guiding my players to excel. I chose to believe: ‘This happened for a reason. There’s something better ahead, so I’ll start again.’ And that’s exactly what I did.”
Elena Sadiku at the heart of Celtic’s title celebrations. Photograph: Raymond Davies/Alamy
The clarity and conviction with which the former Swedish youth international speaks make it easy to see why she attracted Celtic’s attention. Her challenges—leading to a period of depression—have shaped her character, yet remarkably, Sadiku bears no bitterness. Her enthusiasm for her current role is evident, and her past experiences feel entirely relevant.
“I suffered my first ACL injury when I was 19,” she recounts. “I came back, scored a hat-trick; life felt fantastic. Then, three months later, I injured the same knee again. I was sidelined for 18 months following a major surgery, which included a leg reconstruction. The operation took six hours, and I was in a wheelchair for two months.”
“My mentality has always been to keep working, to strive, fight, and never give up. I faced it again a third time, and then during that infection phase, I started to question everything. I feared for my life.”
“When the doctors discussed the possibility of amputating my leg, I vividly remember waking up from surgery, terrified: ‘Is my leg still attached?’ The infection subsided, allowing me to leave the hospital, but I found myself in a deep crisis of identity, uncertain of my future. Losing something you love so much is an experience I never imagined I would have to endure.”
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I didn’t achieve my full potential as a player. I want to ensure that I can help my players achieve their dreams and realize their potential.
While her playing days may have ended, her coaching journey has flourished. Sadiku pursued her coaching badges while gaining experience in China, Denmark, and Sweden. She previously led Everton’s under-21 team before making the move to Celtic, where her squad secured a place in the Champions League group stage—an accomplishment for any Scottish team—following a qualification victory against Vorskla Poltava.
Sadiku doesn’t intend to simply bask in her surroundings, knowing Chelsea and Real Madrid are waiting beyond Twente. “I tend not to dwell on things because I’m focused on the upcoming games, so I don’t often pause to think, ‘Wow, what have I accomplished?’ But I do feel proud because I’ve endured hardships, and all my efforts have ultimately led me here.”
“That mindset won’t shift. I will ensure the players are well-prepared and that we have a straightforward game plan. Our approach will be to aim for victory. We are still Celtic.”
Since taking over from the spirited Fran Alonso in January, Sadiku’s connection with Celtic has already produced memorable achievements. A dramatic 90th-minute goal from Amy Gallacher secured the Scottish Women’s Premier League title, won on goal difference against Rangers, just four months later. This triumph marked Celtic’s inaugural title. Just recently, despite trailing 2-0 to Rangers after 64 minutes on Thursday, her team fought back to earn a point. The competitive nature of football in Glasgow holds great appeal for her.
“For me, that’s what it has always been about since childhood. I’ve always wanted to win,” she states. “I’ve always aspired to be the best. That pressure requires you to strive for your best each day. My goal is to be the best coach possible and achieve as much success as I can. To do that, I must never become complacent.”
“I want my players to feel excitement and hunger, and we must also learn from this experience. We understand that this journey will ultimately make us better.”
Elena Sadiku: From Player to Pioneering Coach in Women’s Football
Early Life and Playing Career
Elena Sadiku’s journey in football began long before she became a celebrated coach. Growing up in a supportive environment that encouraged her passion for sports, Elena quickly made a name for herself as a talented player. Her dedication and skill on the pitch led her to play for various clubs, showcasing her talent in both domestic and international competitions.
Transition to Coaching
After a successful playing career, Elena decided to transition into coaching at a relatively young age. At just 30 years old, she took on the significant challenge of leading Celtic Football Club’s women’s team. This appointment marked a significant milestone, not only for her career but also for women’s football as a whole.
Becoming a Role Model
Elena’s rise in the coaching ranks is crucial for inspiring other young women in sports. By leading a major club like Celtic into the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) group stage for the first time, she exemplifies how women can break barriers in traditionally male-dominated roles. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and technical skills, all essential elements for success in football.
Coaching Philosophy and Style
Elena Sadiku’s coaching style is characterized by several key elements:
- Player-Centric Approach: Elena believes in nurturing individual player skills while promoting teamwork.
- Emphasis on Tactical Awareness: Educating players about game tactics is central to her coaching strategy.
- Continuous Improvement: Encouraging players to constantly refine their skills and understand the game better.
Achievements with Celtic FC
Under Elena’s leadership, Celtic FC has made remarkable strides. Some of her most notable achievements include:
| Season | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Debut in UWCL Group Stage |
| 2022 | Secured second place in the league |
| 2021 | Reached the semifinals in the national cup |
Impact on Women’s Football
Elena Sadiku is not just changing the landscape at Celtic FC; she is also influencing women’s football on a broader scale. Her work in coaching has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of female representation in sports leadership roles.
Empowerment Through Education
Recognizing the importance of education and training, Elena advocates for comprehensive coaching programs tailored for women. She believes that empowering young female athletes through education in coaching can help cultivate the next generation of women leaders in football.
Benefits of Women in Coaching
The inclusion of women in coaching roles offers several benefits to sports organizations:
- Diverse Perspectives: Female coaches bring unique insights and experiences that can enrich team dynamics.
- Increased Participation: Seeing women in coaching roles can encourage more girls to participate in sports.
- Role Models: Female coaches serve as important role models for young athletes, demonstrating that leadership is achievable.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Female Coaches
For those looking to follow in Elena’s footsteps, here are some practical tips:
- Seek Mentorship: Find experienced coaches who can guide you and share their knowledge.
- Continue Learning: Stay updated on the latest coaching techniques, tactics, and sports science.
- Network: Connect with other coaches and sports professionals to share experiences and opportunities.
Personal Philosophy and Future Aspirations
Elena Sadiku holds a strong belief in the potential of women’s football. Her vision encompasses not just immediate success but also the long-term development of the sport. She aims to create a sustainable environment where female players can thrive and be recognized for their talents.
Engagement with the Community
Elena is also actively involved in community outreach programs, emphasizing the importance of grassroots initiatives in promoting women’s football. She understands that building a strong foundation at the community level is essential for the overall growth of the sport.
Case Studies of Successful Programs
Several programs around the world mimic Elena’s vision, focusing on developing women’s football:
| Program Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Girls in Sports | USA | Empowers girls through sports, focusing on leadership and teamwork. |
| SheBelieves | USA | Encourages young girls to pursue sports and supports female athletes. |
| Women’s Soccer Initiative | Global | Promotes women’s participation in soccer through training and visibility. |
First-Hand Experience as a Coach
Elena has shared her experiences in coaching at various workshops, emphasizing the challenges and triumphs faced by female coaches. Her story resonates with many aspiring coaches, as she recounts overcoming obstacles and the satisfaction of seeing her players succeed.
Key Takeaways from Workshops
- Resilience is Key: Overcoming setbacks is an integral part of the coaching journey.
- Community Matters: Building a supportive community of coaches and players enhances the experience.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging every success—big or small—fuels motivation and progress.
The Future of Women’s Football with Elena Sadiku
As Elena Sadiku continues to make her mark in women’s football, her influence will likely inspire a generation of players and coaches. The strides made under her leadership at Celtic FC exemplify the potential for success when women take on leadership roles in sports.
