What Businesses Can Learn from the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 Triumph

When England’s Lionesses lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 trophy in Basel, it was more than a sporting achievement. It was the result of years of preparation, leadership, and teamwork. For those of us in the corporate world, their journey provides valuable lessons about how to lead teams, build resilience, and sustain success under pressure.

This article explores six key insights from the Lionesses’ historic win and how these can be applied to workplaces.

1. Resilience matters more than perfection

The Lionesses did not start the tournament flawlessly. They lost their first match and went behind in each of the three knockout games. Yet they kept their composure, adapted quickly, and found ways to win.

This ability to stay focused after setbacks is what defines resilient teams. Research from Harvard Business Review highlights that resilient organisations recover more quickly from disruption and are more likely to outperform competitors over time. Similarly, Deloitte’s 2022 Resilience Report found that companies which cultivate adaptive cultures are 270 percent more likely to deliver strong financial outcomes.

The Lionesses also made mental recovery part of their process. Players used simple activities such as Lego building, journaling, and music as a way to stay grounded off the pitch. Encouraging similar practices in the workplace, such as mindful breaks or brief team rituals, can help employees manage stress and return to challenges with renewed energy.

2. Inclusion makes teams stronger

Captain Leah Williamson and manager Sarina Wiegman made it clear that every member of the squad mattered, including those who did not get game time. They celebrated contributions from the entire group, creating an environment where everyone felt valued.

Gallup research has shown that teams which foster inclusion experience 57 percent higher engagement and are 20 percent more profitable. Inclusion is not simply a moral imperative, it has a direct impact on performance. When employees believe their role is important, they are more motivated to go the extra mile for colleagues and customers.

Leaders can mirror this by consistently recognising individual contributions, especially from those in less visible roles. It is this type of culture that strengthens morale and builds trust across teams.

3. Purpose unites teams during adversity

The Lionesses were no strangers to scepticism and criticism in the build up to the tournament. Rather than allowing external noise to disrupt them, they focused on a shared sense of purpose. That collective mindset turned potential distractions into motivation.

A McKinsey study on organisational purpose found that employees who believe their company has a clear purpose are 70 percent more likely to report being engaged. Purpose gives teams a common direction and provides a reason to persevere during challenging times.

Workplace leaders can take note. When facing market pressures or public scrutiny, clarity of purpose helps unite employees and maintain focus on the bigger goal.

4. Lead by example

Sarina Wiegman has now won three Women’s Euro titles and is widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football. She sets a clear strategy yet is willing to adjust when circumstances change. Her calm and consistent approach earned the trust of her players.

Similarly, Leah Williamson leads by action. During the 2022 Euro tournament, she completed 472 passes and made 56 ball recoveries, more than any other player. She demonstrated that leadership is about showing up and taking responsibility, not just directing others.

Business leaders who actively support their teams and demonstrate competence in their areas of responsibility create cultures of accountability. Teams are more likely to follow leaders who are visible and credible in their actions.

5. Mental health is integral to performance

One of the most notable aspects of the Lionesses’ preparation was how they prioritised mental wellbeing. Away from the pitch, players incorporated low‑tech hobbies into their routine to decompress and maintain perspective.

In corporate settings, mental health is often treated as a separate initiative, yet evidence suggests it is directly linked to productivity. A Deloitte UK report from 2022 estimated that poor mental health costs employers £56 billion each year. By integrating wellbeing practices into daily work life, organisations can support performance as well as employee satisfaction.

This can be as simple as encouraging short breaks, offering access to wellbeing resources, or building in moments of recovery between high‑pressure projects.

6. Legacy and inspiration matter

The Lionesses’ influence extends far beyond their trophy. Since their first Euro win in 2022, women’s football in England has seen a 140 percent increase in participation, adding over 2.3 million players. The team’s visibility and success have inspired a generation and changed perceptions of the sport.

In the corporate world, thinking about legacy can be equally powerful. Teams that connect their work to a bigger picture are more likely to remain motivated and to innovate. A PwC survey found that 79 percent of business leaders believe purpose‑driven organisations deliver better results.

For managers, articulating the long‑term impact of the organisation’s mission can lift employees beyond short‑term metrics.

Bringing the lessons together

The Lionesses’ Euro 2025 victory demonstrates the value of resilience, inclusion, clear purpose, strong leadership, attention to mental health, and thinking about legacy. Each of these elements is achievable in a business context, regardless of industry or size.

Leaders do not need to overhaul entire structures to apply these insights. Small but consistent actions, such as recognising contributions, reinforcing organisational purpose, and building mental health practices into everyday routines, can create meaningful change.

The Lionesses showed that success is rarely linear, and that collective strength often emerges in the most challenging moments. Their story is a reminder that teams thrive when they are united, supported, and inspired by something larger than themselves.