Key Points
- Elena Sadiku became Celtic FC Women’s first female head coach in January 2024 at age 30.
- Under her leadership, Celtic won their first ever SWPL title in May 2024, clinching it dramatically on goal difference against Rangers.
- Sadiku departed Celtic in December 2025 after a period of historic success for the women’s team.
- Her playing career ended at 24 due to multiple injuries, leading to a successful coaching path across Europe.
- She highlighted challenges and ambitions for the women’s game in Scotland during her tenure.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) January 31, 2026 – Elena Sadiku, Celtic FC Women’s historic first female head coach, has reflected on leading the team to their inaugural SWPL title before departing the club last month.
The 32-year-old Swede joined Celtic in January 2024 on a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Fran Alonso and immediately transforming the side’s fortunes. Just four months later, they secured the league crown with a dramatic 90th-minute goal against Rangers at Celtic Park, edging out their rivals on goal difference to qualify for Champions League qualifiers.
What historic achievements did Elena Sadiku deliver at Celtic?
Sadiku’s appointment marked a milestone as the club’s first female head coach, bringing experience from roles at Rosengard, Fortuna Hjørring, Eskilstuna United and Everton’s U21 academy. According to Celtic FC’s official profile, her leadership kick-started a new era, culminating in the SWPL triumph and a spot in the 2024/25 UWCL qualifiers where she became the competition’s youngest coach at 30.
As reported by Her Football Hub, Sadiku’s tactical adjustments, including flexible formations like 3-5-2 and 4-2-3-1, propelled Celtic to dominance despite early Champions League exits. Rich Laverty’s behind-the-scenes account for Women’s Football Commentary detailed her early morning preparations at Celtic Park and focus on fitness improvements.
Why did Elena Sadiku leave Celtic?
Celtic FC announced Sadiku’s departure in a YouTube video on December 22, 2025, thanking her for her role in a period of historic success and wishing her well in her next chapter. Total Football Analysis noted her arrival followed Alonso’s move to the NWSL, but did not specify reasons for her exit beyond the club’s statement.
What challenges did she face in Scotland?
Rich Laverty reported Sadiku’s realism about the gap to Europe’s elite, emphasising daily fitness tracking and the need for a dominant mindset at Celtic. She stated, “As long as I’m their coach here, you have to want to be here because you want to be the best in Scotland,” underscoring her vision for long-term growth amid the intense schedule.
How has Sadiku shaped the women’s game in Scotland?
Sadiku’s tenure advanced women’s football at Celtic, with Her Football Hub praising her resilience after 12 surgeries ended her playing career at 24, transitioning her to coaching in China under Kim Björkegren and later assisting Jonas Eidevall. Her success elevated standards, inspiring focus on player development and European competitiveness.
Club statements and reports indicate her legacy includes building conditions for players to thrive, positioning Celtic as SWPL champions while highlighting broader ambitions for the Scottish women’s game.
