By Ademuyiwa Balikis
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy continues to shape England’s football celebrations, with his music increasingly becoming part of the Lionesses’ identity. His influence was once again on display when head coach Sarina Wiegman gave him a surprise mention during her acceptance speech at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Wiegman, who received the Women’s Coach of the Year (Johan Cruyff Trophy), closed her speech with a playful nod to the star that drew cheers in the hall and smiles online:
“Let’s celebrate our successes too, and if Burna Boy is around, maybe we could do a little bit of dancing too.”
The moment went viral almost instantly, reminding fans of the joyful scenes in July when Burna Boy performed at the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 victory parade in London and Wiegman joined him on stage for an impromptu dance.
Burna Boy quickly acknowledged the mention with a warm reply on X, writing:
“Haha, I’m up for it Sarina! A huge congrats to you and the team @Lionesses”.
Burna Boy’s music has found a special place in the hearts of English fans especially young girls who have embraced the Lionesses’ journey. Tracks like “Last Last” and “For My Hand” (featuring Ed Sheeran) have dominated UK radio and streaming playlists, with the latter re-entering the UK iTunes Top 10 after his surprise parade performance.
For many supporters, “For My Hand” has become more than a hit song it is an anthem of victory, resilience, and shared joy. Wiegman herself has said it was one of her most-played tracks during the Euros, helping to deepen the bond between the coach, the players, and their fans.
Wiegman’s ability to celebrate her players’ achievements while connecting with popular culture has made her a unique figure in football. Her shout-out to Burna Boy during one of football’s most prestigious ceremonies was a reminder that the Lionesses’ story is not just about trophies but about inspiring a new generation of girls to dream big both on and off the pitch.
By embracing Burna Boy’s music as part of their celebrations, Wiegman and the Lionesses are not only marking their victories but also strengthening their connection with fans, particularly young girls, and reinforcing women’s football as a vibrant part of England’s cultural landscape.
