Elena Sadik, Celtic’s FIFA Top 10 coach wearing the iconic black cap

The black hat is simple, but says a lot, like the woman who wears it, Elena Sadiku. She could talk about football for years. The chatty and cheerful personality is now ranked among FIFA’s top eight football managers, sharing his name with Emma Hayes, Jonathan Giraldes, Sonia Bompastar and Gareth Taylor.

Ironically, her coaching career began with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that every soccer player dreads.

Elena Sadik was born in Bocholt, a town in northwest Germany near the Dutch border. She moved to Sweden, where her soccer talent began to shine. She represented Sweden’s Under-19 national team while excelling at Malmö. She then played for Kristianstad and Eskilstuna United.

In 2014, Sadiq suffered his first major knee injury. This was the beginning of a series of setbacks. By 2017, she signed with Hammarby in an attempt to revive her career. But three months later, another injury dashed her hopes. And she posted on Instagram: “To my greatest love, football, see you again. As a player? As a coach? As an agent? You know? I won’t give up.”

During this period, a postoperative infection threatened her leg and required a three-week hospital stay. Just 24 years old, Sadiq endured 12 surgeries before retiring as a professional player to prevent further exposure.

Sadiq began his coaching journey in Beijing. In February 2018, Kim Bjorkegren invited her to China as an assistant coach and fitness trainer.

After the season, she returned to Rosengold and contributed to the Under-19 academy before assisting Jonas Idevall in the first team. She also helped Denmark’s Fortuna Jöring in a Champions League match in 2021. Ten months later, Sadiq returned to another former club, Eskilstuna United, where he remained until December 2022.

In 2023, Everton hired her as manager of their Under-21 Academy. By January 2024, she was appointed Celtic’s first female head coach. Her experience across Europe and leadership potential made her the perfect choice for the Glasgow club.

Under Sadiq’s guidance, Celtic won their first SWPL title in dramatic fashion. In the final match, they defeated Rangers on goal difference and secured victory. With this victory, they qualified for the Champions League qualifying rounds for the 2024/25 season. At just 30 years old, Sadiq is the youngest coach in UWCL history. Her tactical acumen and motivational style were evident throughout the season.

Sadiq is known for his dedication to his players. She fosters unity, belief and mental strength within the team. Celtic captain Kelly Clarke described Sadiq as a coach who enjoys the journey and focuses on building confidence. “It’s really the stupid things you think, ‘I’m kidding,’ that actually make a difference,” Clark said.

Despite Celtic being eliminated from the Champions League, Sadiq’s aim is to strengthen the team for the future. She remains focused on creating the best conditions for her players to develop.

Beneath her trademark black hat is a coach driven by passion and purpose. Although the injury ended her playing career, it paved the way for her to become a pioneering coach. Elena Sadiku’s story is one of resilience, ambition and a relentless commitment to the advancement of women’s football.