Elena Sadiku, Celtic’s FIFA top 10 coach in the iconic black cap | OneFootball

A black cap is simple but speaks volumes — just like the woman wearing it: Elena Sadiku. She could talk about football for ages. Nowadays, the talkative and pleasant individual is ranked among FIFA’s top eight football coaches, sharing the nomination with Emma Hayes, Jonatan Giráldez, Sonia Bompastor, Gareth Taylor and others.

Her coaching journey began, ironically, due to the injury every footballer dreads: a torn ACL.

Elena Sadiku was born in Bocholt, a town in northwestern Germany near the Dutch border. She moved to Sweden, where her football talent began to shine. She represented Sweden U-19s while excelling with Malmö. Later, she played for Kristianstad and Eskilstuna United.

The challenges of injuries

In 2014, Sadiku suffered her first major knee injury. This was the beginning of a series of setbacks. By 2017, she had signed with Hammarby, hoping to revive her career. However, three months later, another injury dashed her hopes. Then, she posted on Instagram: “To my greatest love, football, we’ll meet again. As a player? A coach? An agent? Who knows? I won’t give up.”

A postoperative infection during this period threatened her leg, requiring a hospital stay of three weeks. At only 24 years old, after enduring 12 surgeries, Sadiku retired as a professional player to prevent any further danger she may put herself in.

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Transition to coaching

Sadiku began her coaching journey in Beijing. In February 2018, Kim Björkegren invited her to join him in China as an assistant coach and fitness trainer.

After a season, she returned to Rosengård, contributing to the U-19 academy and later assisting Jonas Eidevall with the first team. She also helped Denmark’s Fortuna Hjørring in 2021, where she faced Champions League games. Ten months later, Sadiku returned to Eskilstuna United, another former club, where she stayed until December 2022.

In 2023, Everton recruited her to manage their U-21 academy. By January 2024, she became Celtic’s first-ever female head coach. Her experience across Europe and her leadership potential made her the perfect choice for the Glasgow club.

Historic success with Celtic

Under Sadiku’s guidance, Celtic won their first SWPL title in dramatic fashion. They secured victory on the final matchday, edging Rangers on goal difference. This triumph earned them a spot in the 2024/25 Champions League qualifiers. Sadiku became the youngest coach in UWCL history at just 30 years old. Her tactical acumen and motivational style were evident throughout the season.

Sadiku is known for her dedication to her players. She fosters unity, belief and emotional strength within her team. Celtic’s captain, Kelly Clark, described Sadiku as a coach who focuses on enjoying the journey and building confidence. “It genuinely is these stupid things that you think, ‘You are joking,’ that it actually makes a difference,” said Clark.

Though Celtic was eliminated from the Champions League, Sadiku’s goal is to strengthen the team for the future. Her focus remains on creating the best conditions for her players to thrive.

Beneath her trademark black cap is a coach driven by passion and purpose. While injuries ended her playing career, they paved the way for her to become a trailblazing coach. Elena Sadiku’s story is one of resilience, ambition and a relentless commitment to advancing women’s football.

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