Elena Sadiku’s appointment as head coach of the Celtic FC Women’s side was a historic one for the club as the 30-year-old became the first ever female head coach.
The Swede has been involved with football from a young age, having come through the ranks as a player at 16-years-old.
Spending her entire career in her homeland, Sadiku’s time as a player came to an unfortunate end after being forced to retire due to injury. However, this kick-started her journey to Celtic Park.
Her first role as a coach came not long after her retirement, taking up a position at the Hammarby Academy, before moving into her first full-time coaching role just a matter of months later, heading off to China, where she would work with experienced manager Kim Björkegren.
A return to former club Rosengard soon followed, first as part of the Academy, before also stepping up into a role as part of the Women’s first-team coaching staff working alongside current Arsenal Women’s manager Jonas Eidevall.
Sadiku’s first senior head coach position came during her time in Denmark, where she managed Fortuna Hjørring. She led the club out in the quarter finals of the Champions League against Barcelona, who would go on to win the competition that season, before a further spell in Sweden as manager of Eskilstuna United.
Her most recent role before a move to the Hoops was south of the border with WSL side Everton, where she worked to bring a number of prospects through in her Academy position.
The Swedish youth internationalist was appointed manager of the Celtic FC Women’s side in January, signing a two and a half year deal, kick-starting a new era in the club’s history.