When people hear the name Marten Glotzbach, two major associations often surface: his career in football coaching and his marriage to England women’s national team head coach Sarina Wiegman. While many headlines tie his name to Wiegman, Glotzbach’s professional journey deserves recognition in its own right. From his early years as an educator to his rise through the coaching ranks in The Hague, his story reflects dedication, persistence, and an ability to balance two careers that demand leadership. This article explores what Marten Glotzbach is known for and outlines his current role in football, while also reflecting on the broader impact of his work in women’s sports.
What Is Marten Glotzbach Known For?
1. A Career Rooted in Education
Long before he became a familiar face in professional football circles, Marten Glotzbach built his career as an educator. He worked as an economics teacher, a role that required patience, structure, and the ability to inspire young minds. Teaching shaped his leadership style, one that emphasizes clear communication, discipline, and empathy. These traits naturally translated into coaching, where guiding players through growth and setbacks mirrors the classroom dynamic.
His reputation as an educator also highlights something unique: many football coaches dedicate their lives solely to the sport, but Glotzbach successfully balanced two demanding professions. This dual path is part of what makes him stand out.
2. Development Work in Youth Football
Glotzbach is best known in Dutch football for his involvement in youth and women’s development programs. Since joining ADO Den Haag’s academy in 2018, he has led age-group teams such as MO16 (girls under-16) and MO17 (girls under-17). Under his guidance, many players sharpened their technical skills and tactical understanding, while also gaining the confidence to progress toward professional football.
This emphasis on development speaks to his strengths: he isn’t just focused on winning at all costs but on building players who can thrive in the long term. Youth football requires patience and vision, and Glotzbach demonstrated both.
3. Recognition as Sarina Wiegman’s Husband
Public curiosity around Marten Glotzbach often ties back to his marriage to Sarina Wiegman, one of the most successful managers in women’s football. Wiegman, who has led the Netherlands to a European Championship and England to a Euro 2022 title and World Cup final, is an international icon. Naturally, the spotlight often extends to her partner.
While some see Glotzbach mainly through this lens, it is important to recognize that his career trajectory is distinct. He may be married to one of the biggest names in women’s football, but his own rise within ADO Den Haag reflects competence and respect earned within the Dutch football community.
4. Broad Coaching Experience in Dutch Clubs
Before cementing his role at ADO Den Haag, Glotzbach also gained experience at clubs like Scheveningen, Westlandia, and HBS. These stints deepened his understanding of football at different levels, from grassroots to competitive environments. Each stage prepared him for the professional responsibilities he now carries at the highest level of Dutch women’s football.
What Is Marten Glotzbach’s Current Role?
Head Coach of ADO Den Haag Women
In December 2024, ADO Den Haag Women announced that Marten Glotzbach would be promoted to head coach of the Eredivisie Vrouwen side. He signed a contract extending through mid-2026, marking the next step in his football journey.
This was not an overnight promotion. Glotzbach had been part of the club since 2018, carefully working his way through youth coaching. The leadership decided to trust him with the first team because he demonstrated not just tactical knowledge but also consistency in developing young talent.
As head coach, his responsibilities expanded dramatically: managing senior players, competing at the highest domestic level, and navigating the pressures of professional women’s football. It also meant becoming more visible, facing media questions, and setting the tone for a club that has ambitions to compete with powerhouses like FC Twente and Ajax.
Contract Details and Future Prospects
His contract through 2026 gives him time to shape the team’s direction. This stability signals the club’s confidence in his methods. For Glotzbach, the challenge is balancing continuity—building on what ADO has already achieved—while pushing the squad toward greater competitiveness.
If he succeeds, he could be on track to become one of the leading Dutch coaches in women’s football. Some observers have speculated that, given his connection to Wiegman and his growing profile, international opportunities may one day follow. For now, his focus is firmly on The Hague.
The Philosophy Behind His Coaching
Player Development First
At the core of Glotzbach’s coaching philosophy is player growth. His years in youth football taught him that technical ability and tactical awareness take time to nurture. Even at the professional level, he stresses training sessions that prioritize learning and improvement. This outlook ensures that ADO remains not just a competitive club but also a nurturing environment for emerging players.
Balancing Results With Process
While development is central, Glotzbach is also realistic about the demands of top-flight football. Winning games matters, but he frames victories as the outcome of good preparation and disciplined execution. His calm demeanor and structured approach provide stability, especially important in women’s football, where resources and media attention can fluctuate.
Lessons From Education
His background as an economics teacher continues to shape his coaching. For example:
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Clear Communication: Just as teachers break down complex ideas, Glotzbach simplifies tactics into digestible lessons for players.
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Patience: Development takes time, whether in a classroom or on the pitch.
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Leadership With Empathy: Teaching requires understanding different learning styles. Coaching requires the same adaptability.
The Broader Impact of Marten Glotzbach
Contribution to Women’s Football in the Netherlands
Women’s football in the Netherlands has grown rapidly over the past decade. Figures like Wiegman have elevated the game internationally, but coaches like Glotzbach are essential in sustaining progress domestically. His work ensures that young Dutch players continue to develop in competitive environments, feeding into both club and national teams.
Redefining Public Perceptions
By stepping into the spotlight as ADO Den Haag’s head coach, Glotzbach shifts the public perception of his career. No longer just known as “Wiegman’s husband,” he now has a professional role that demands respect in its own right. This not only enhances his credibility but also highlights the evolving opportunities in women’s football.
A Model of Dual Careers
Another impact of his story is the inspiration it provides for professionals who juggle multiple careers. Many assume success in football requires total devotion, but Glotzbach shows that teaching and coaching can complement one another. This dual pathway emphasizes that leadership and mentorship are transferable across professions.
Challenges Ahead
Competing With Elite Clubs
In the Dutch women’s league, clubs like Ajax and FC Twente often dominate. For Glotzbach, narrowing this gap will be a central challenge. He will need to innovate tactically, recruit smartly, and ensure ADO’s young players develop into consistent performers.
Managing Expectations
With his appointment came headlines about his relationship with Wiegman. While this increases media attention, it also adds pressure. Fans and journalists may draw comparisons, but Glotzbach will be judged by his results with ADO Den Haag.
Balancing Public and Private Roles
As his career profile grows, managing personal privacy becomes another challenge. Being married to one of the most visible figures in football already puts his family in the spotlight. Balancing this visibility with professional focus will require resilience.
Conclusion
Marten Glotzbach’s journey is a story of persistence, balance, and leadership. Known for his dual careers as an educator and football coach, he has steadily built credibility within Dutch football. Today, as head coach of ADO Den Haag Women, he has a chance to shape the future of one of the Netherlands’ most established women’s clubs.
His story highlights not just the growth of women’s football but also the importance of patience, development, and transferable leadership skills. Whether measured through his impact on players, his ability to manage public perception, or his role as a figure in Dutch football, Marten Glotzbach stands as more than just a supporting name beside Sarina Wiegman—he is carving his own legacy.
This article was published on Blog Loom to provide a deep dive into the career and current role of Marten Glotzbach.
