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John Herdman

English football manager (born 1975) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Herdman
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This article is about the football manager. For the author, see John Herdman (author).

John Herdman (born 19 July 1975) is an English professional football manager widely recognized for his contributions to Canadian soccer. He is the only coach to have led both a women’s and men’s national team from the same country to a FIFA World Cup.

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Herdman coached the Canada women’s national team from 2011 to 2018, guiding them to back-to-back Olympic bronze medals (2012, 2016) and a quarter-final finish at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. He then transitioned to the men’s program, where he led Canada to its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 36 years in 2022, and oversaw a significant rise in international competitiveness and ranking.

Renowned for his motivational leadership and tactical acumen, Herdman is credited with reshaping Canada’s national team culture. He helped elevate the profile of Canadian soccer at home and abroad, laying foundational groundwork ahead of the country’s co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup.

He most recently served as head coach of Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.

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Coaching career

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Early career

Herdman began coaching football at a young age in England, while he was a student and part-time university lecturer at Northumbria University.[2] He was a development coach for Sunderland's youth academy until 2001, when he moved to New Zealand.[3]

New Zealand women's

Herdman arrived in New Zealand and joined the national association football programme in 2003, initially acting as Coach Education Manager and later as the Director of Football Development. Herdman was head coach for the New Zealand women's national football team from 2006 to 2011. Working with the national women's teams, he led the U-20 squad to the World Championship in 2006, the federation's first-ever youth tournament result, and the later renamed U-20 World Cup in 2010, securing its first-ever youth World Cup victory. He also guided the senior squad to the FIFA Women's World Cups in 2007 and 2011 as well as the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.[4][5][6] For his contributions, he was recognized as New Zealand Football Coach of the Year (2006, 2008[7]) and New Zealand Football Team of the Year (2008).

During his time in New Zealand, Herdman played amateur football for NRFL Division 2 club Hibiscus Coast.[8]

Canada women's

Herdman took over for the Canada women's national soccer team in 2011 from Carolina Morace after Canada finished last in their 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup group. Canada women were in disarray. Some veteran players were contemplating early retirements until Herdman arrived.[9] Shortly after, he led them to a gold medal finish at the 2011 Pan American Games in Mexico.[10][11][12][13] He guided the team through the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in Vancouver, Canada, securing one of two qualifying spots for the 2012 Olympic Games in London that summer.

London 2012 Olympic Games

Herdman's squad advanced from the group stage of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London with a loss to Japan, a win over South Africa and a draw with Sweden. Canada faced host nation Great Britain in the quarter-final, defeating them 2–0. This led to a historic Olympic semi-final against the United States at Old Trafford that saw the Americans prevail 4–3, with Christine Sinclair recording a hat-trick. The Guardian referred to the game as "The greatest knockout match in major-tournament football since 1982."[14] Canada would go on to the third-place game, where they won the bronze medal,[15][16] Canada’s first Summer Olympic Team sport medal since 1936.[17]

The London Olympics had a significant legacy for the women's national team, elevating both its profile and that of both captain Christine Sinclair and John Herdman, and helping to make Canada a rare instance where the women's team enjoyed significantly greater visibility than the men's team. The team received the Canadian Press Team of the Year Award, another first for soccer.

In 2015, Herdman gave a TED Talk, sharing the lessons learned from the team’s 2012 Olympic performance.

“If you want to reach greatness, and that’s what (the Canadian women’s national team) had to buy into, they had to achieve consistent goodness in every part of their life, and not only when people were watching,” he says. “Great people do it when nobody’s watching.”[9]

2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

Canada entered the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup tournament as one of the seeded teams and was drawn into Group A alongside the Netherlands, China PR and New Zealand. Under Herdman’s leadership, the team adopted a disciplined and defensively resilient style of play, relying heavily on experienced players such as captain Christine Sinclair and a core group of emerging young talent.

Herdman guided the host nation Canada to first in its group, recording a win against China (1–0), a draw with New Zealand (0–0), and a draw with the Netherlands (1–1). The squad advanced to the Round of 16, defeating Switzerland 1–0 in Vancouver. In the quarterfinals, Canada faced England and was eliminated following a 2–1 loss in front of a capacity crowd in Vancouver. Despite the disappointment, Herdman was credited with raising the team’s competitive standards and enhancing the visibility of women’s soccer in Canada through a well-organized, emotionally resonant campaign.

Herdman’s motivational leadership style and focus on team culture became a hallmark of Canada’s performance, with the squad garnering national attention for its resilience and composure under pressure.

Canada was eliminated in the quarter-finals, a 2–1 loss to England.[18]

2016 Rio Olympic Games

Herdman led the team to a second consecutive bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro beating host team Brazil 2-1 in front of 40,000 fans at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo.[19] Canada's win earned the team the distinction of becoming the first Canadian Olympic team to repeat a medal performance at a summer Olympic Games in more than a century.[20]

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team entered the record books early during the Olympic Tournament, scoring the fastest goal in tournament history in the opening match, before becoming the first Canadian team to win the group stage at an Olympic football tournament – winning all three group stage matches.[20]

Under Herdman, Canada earned its highest FIFA world ranking when it rose to fourth place in August 2016 in the wake of its bronze-medal performance at the Rio Olympics[21] and earned the team the honour of "FIFA Most Improved Team.[22]"

Canada men's

On 8 January 2018, Herdman was named head coach of the Canada men's national soccer team.[23] He "also becomes men's national director, with responsibility for all age groups from under-14s upward".[24]

Barely a year after taking the job, the manager of Canada’s men’s national football team told a gathered crowd in early 2019 that the country was “going to qualify for Qatar 2022”.[25]

In October 2019, Canada hosted the United States in a CONCACAF Nations League match at BMO Field in Toronto. Despite the competitive stakes, Canada had not defeated its southern rival in nearly 35 years. The match marked a turning point for the Canadian men's national team, resulting in a 2–0 victory that many viewed as the beginning of a new era.

The starting lineup included two teenagers—18-year-old Alphonso Davies and 19-year-old Jonathan David. Davies opened the scoring, contributing to a historic win that drew widespread praise for head coach John Herdman. Following the match, players highlighted his motivational and tactical leadership. Striker Lucas Cavallini told CBC, “Every minute of the day, he has a motivational speech. That’s why we’re here.” David added, “This guy knows what he’s doing… because he has a tactic every game.”[26]

While Herdman was often recognized for his ability to inspire players, his emphasis on detailed preparation and tactical adaptability proved instrumental to Canada’s success.

In 2021, he guided the team up the FIFA World Rankings from 72nd to 40th, its highest position to date, to earn the team the honour of "Most Improved Side" of the year.[27] On 10 February 2022, he improved Canada to 33rd in the FIFA World Rankings.[28] During 2021-22, Herdman led Canada to a record 17-game unbeaten streak.[29] In the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Herdman single handedly secured private donations to fund training camp needs, including his staff.[30]

On 27 March 2022, he led the team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 4-0 victory over Jamaica at BMO Field in Toronto,[31] its first World Cup in 36 years,[32][33] becoming the first manager to have successfully led both the national women's and men's teams of a nation to qualify for a World Cup.[34][35]

Throughout Canada's epic rise, players consistently heaped praise on their gaffer. During a postmatch TV interview, Milan Borjan snuck up and doused Herdman with champagne.

"He deserved this," said Borjan, his trademark sweatpants paired with a "WE CAN" T-shirt and ski goggles to protect against champagne backsplash. "This guy, he did everything."[36]

2022 FIFA World Cup

Despite being placed in a challenging group alongside Belgium, Croatia and Morocco, Canada showed moments of promise, including Alphonso Davies scoring the country’s first-ever goal at a men’s World Cup.[37]

Canada's first match of the tournament against Belgium on November 23 ended in a 1–0 loss, despite Canada dictating most of the play, and failing to convert any of their 22 shots, including a penalty.[38][39] Four days later, Canada lost 4–1 to Croatia, despite scoring first, eliminating Canada from the tournament after two matches.[40] Canada were defeated 2–1 by Morocco in their final group match on December 1, finishing fourth in the group with zero points.[41]

Off the field, Herdman was recognized for his leadership and emotional intelligence, particularly in managing the late injury of veteran defender Doneil Henry. Twelve days before Canada’s opener, Henry suffered a calf injury and voluntarily withdrew from the squad to allow a fully fit player to join. Herdman called it one of the “toughest moments” of his coaching career and convinced Henry to remain with the group in a non-playing role, contributing behind the scenes on tactical preparation and player morale. The decision exemplified Herdman’s commitment to team-first culture and a values-driven program:

“I can't make you feel better for what you're going through but you won't feel better at home. And your boys need you here... Make sure you're ready to help the boys.”[42]

Although Canada exited in the group stage, Herdman’s impact extended beyond results. He helped reshape the national team’s culture, instilling belief, resilience and a competitive edge that challenged outdated perceptions of Canadian soccer.

Following the World Cup, Herdman led Canada to the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, losing 2-0 to the United States. Herdman's legacy and contribution to the rise of the Men's National Team continue to be felt long after his departure. Following Canada’s third place finish at the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League, Thierry Henry credited John Herdman with Canada’s rise. In post game analysis on CBS Sports, Henry said: “This is not the Canadian Team of ten years ago.  You are now favorites. Stop saying to everybody that you are little Canada.  That team is good, you should perform. Stop hiding behind the fact you are little Canada – you are not little.  And thanks to John Herdman.  He put that team together.”

In March 2025, Canada Soccer's disciplinary committee reviewed a complaint filed by the CSA and determined the appropriate, final and binding outcome was the lightest option, a letter of admonishment (warning).[43][44]

Toronto FC

On 28 August 2023, it was announced that Herdman would depart the Canadian national team to take charge of MLS team Toronto FC, effective 1 October.[45][46] At the time of the announcement, TFC sat bottom of the Eastern Conference, with 3 wins from 26 games in the 2023 season.[47][48] Under Herdman, Toronto FC earned its largest win margin against rivals CF Montreal with a lopsided 5-1 result[49] and defeated the reigning Concacaf Champions Cup holders C.F. Pachuca by a 2-1 scoreline in Leagues Cup action at BMO Field in the Leagues Cup group finale.[50] On 29 November 2024, he announced his resignation from the position.[51]

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Legacy and Impact in Canada

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John Herdman is widely regarded as a central figure in the transformation of Canadian soccer in the 2010s and early 2020s. During his tenure with both the women’s and men’s national teams, he implemented leadership and cultural frameworks that emphasized collective belief, identity and accountability, contributing to significant competitive milestones.[52][53]

In a retrospective on his tenure, the Canadian Olympic Committee noted that “John Herdman defined a decade in Canadian soccer,” highlighting his role in bringing Canada back to global competition through “his ability to cultivate belief, resilience, and national pride.”[52]

Writing in The Athletic, journalist Joshua Kloke noted: “Herdman’s tactics and motivational methods have left a mark on Canadian soccer’s DNA. His leadership laid the groundwork for Canada’s return to the World Cup stage, but also helped redefine what’s possible for Canadian football going forward.”[54]

Herdman has also been instrumental in supporting the development of former female players into coaches and sports executives. Notably, he played a key mentorship role for Diana Matheson, a former Olympian who spearheaded the launch of Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, the Northern Super League (NSL). “I’m a big believer in knowing what the end in mind is,” Matheson said in an interview ahead of the NSL’s opening night. Herdman, her former national team coach, had taught her the value of a specific imagination: What does it feel like? What does it sound like? What does it look like to other people?[55]

As Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Herdman’s contributions continue to be referenced in national discussions about the sport’s development and cultural growth. Writing in the Globe and Mail, Cathal Kelly noted:

"No coach in this country’s history has had such a transformative effect on an entire sport. If soccer ever becomes this Canada’s main athletic preoccupation – and that’s in the process of happening – it will have two eras: before and after John Herdman."[56]

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Coaching licences, broadcasting and speaking roles

Herdman holds elite coaching licences:

  • UEFA Pro Licence (2020)
  • UEFA A Licence (2010)
  • UEFA B Licence (1998)

Beyond his coaching roles, Herdman has been an analyst and speaker:

  • CBC FIFA World Cup TV Analyst (2014)[57]
  • TSN Women’s Euros TV Analyst (2013)[58]
  • TSN Men’s Euros TV Analyst (2016)[59]
  • Professional Speaker with Speakers Spotlight (2012–Present)[60]

Personal life

Herdman is originally from Consett, County Durham, England.[61] Herdman is married to his childhood sweetheart, Clare, and has two children: Lilly and Jay. The latter plays for Cavalry FC, as well as the New Zealand U23 team.[61][62]

Managerial statistics

As of match played 5 October 2024[63][64]
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Honours

International Coaching Awards

  • FIFA Coach of the Year Nominee (2012, 2015, 2016)[65]
  • FIFA Most Improved Team (2016 - Canada WNT, 2021 - Canada MNT)

Canadian & CONCACAF Recognitions

New Zealand Recognitions

  • Sport NZ Innovation Award (2011)[69]
  • New Zealand Football Coach of the Year (2006, 2008)
  • New Zealand Football Team of the Year (2008)
  • North Harbour Coach of the Year (2007, 2009)

Academic & Honorary Recognition

  • Honorary Doctor of Sciences – Northumbria University (2023)[70]

Team Achievements New Zealand Women's National Team (2006-2011)

Canada Women's National Team (2011-2017)

Canada Men's National Team (2018-2023)

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References

External links

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