Some people leave a mark in sports not by chasing fame, but by consistently doing the work, shaping young talent, and pushing the game forward from behind the scenes. Marten Glotzbach belongs to that rare category. He has been a coach, mentor, and educator for more than two decades, earning respect in Dutch football while building a career as an economics teacher and youth development specialist.
Many know him as the husband of Sarina Wiegman, one of the most successful coaches in women’s football. What makes Marten’s story fascinating is that he has built his own reputation completely independent of hers. His journey is a reminder that expertise and influence don’t always need the spotlight.
This guide takes a deeper look into Marten Glotzbach’s life, career, and coaching philosophy. Whether you’re searching his background for football, inspiration, or personal curiosity, this profile covers everything you should know.
1. Marten Glotzbach’s Background and Early Life
Marten Glotzbach was born in 1969 and grew up in the Netherlands, a country famous for its football culture and technical development programs. That environment played a huge role in shaping him. His early years blended two interests that would later define his career: sports and education.
Friends and former colleagues describe him as someone who always valued learning as much as athletics. He wasn’t the type who tried to become the loudest figure in the room. Instead, he learned the game from the ground up and focused on helping others understand it too.
That passion eventually became the foundation of everything he went on to do—teaching, coaching, training, and mentoring.
2. A Successful Teaching Career Before Coaching
Before most people ever associated his name with coaching, Marten had already built a respected career in education. He earned degrees in Marketing & Commerce and then specialized further in Economics.
He has been an Economics teacher at Segbroek College in The Hague for more than two decades. Students often describe him as approachable, encouraging, and highly organized.
A few things stand out about his teaching career:
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He believes academics and sports complement each other.
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He uses real-life examples to explain complex concepts.
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He treats his classroom like a learning community.
Teaching didn’t just become a profession for him—it became a way to guide and support young people. It makes sense that he eventually blended that role with coaching.
3. His First Coaching Steps Started at HBS Craeyenhout
Before taking on professional teams, Marten spent years as a youth coach at HBS Craeyenhout, one of the notable clubs in The Hague. He worked with young players, managed development programs, and eventually grew into a leadership position as a coordinator.
What made him different from many coaches was his approach:
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He focused on both technique and personal growth.
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He helped players understand the game, not just play it.
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He built relationships with families and the club community.
This early experience turned him into a coach who knew how to spot potential and develop players steadily over time. That skill would later help him move into women’s football, where youth development plays a massive role.
4. Coaching Qualifications and Training Expertise
Marten isn’t just someone who stepped into coaching by chance. He has formal UEFA coaching licenses at the A, B, and C levels. That means he trained through some of the most recognized coaching education systems in Europe.
These qualifications opened doors for him to work with both youth and senior teams. They also helped him develop a technical style based on:
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Tactical awareness
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Player intelligence
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Team culture
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Discipline and progression
His coaching pathway reflects persistence and continued education. While some see coaching as a final destination, he treated it as an evolving skill that needed constant learning.
5. ADO Den Haag and the Journey Into Women’s Football
Marten joined ADO Den Haag Women in 2018 and began coaching at the youth level with the under-16 and under-17 squads. His commitment to developing young players paid off when nine players from the U-17 squad were eventually promoted to the senior team.
His success didn’t go unnoticed. In December 2024, ADO Den Haag appointed him as the head coach of their senior women’s team. Under his leadership, the club saw improvement in:
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Team chemistry
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Tactical structure
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Defensive organization
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Player confidence and development
His story at ADO Den Haag is proof of why patience and consistent coaching matter. He continues to build teams that are cohesive, disciplined, and grounded in strong fundamentals.
6. A Family Built Around Football, Support, and Balance
Marten’s personal life rarely makes headlines, and that’s by choice. He is married to Sarina Wiegman, the iconic head coach of the England Women’s National Team, and together they have two daughters, Sacha and Lauren.
The couple prefers a private and grounded life. Despite Sarina’s international success, Marten never tries to compete for attention or recognition. They support each other, share ideas, and stay connected to the sport in their own individual ways.
Family is extremely important to him. He has coached youth teams where his daughter Lauren played, and he often accompanies Sarina during her matches—not as a public figure but as someone who supports her behind the scenes.
Their relationship feels like a powerful partnership built on mutual pride and encouragement rather than competition.
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7. Net Worth and Financial Life
Marten may not be a household name in the business or celebrity world, but he has built steady financial success through teaching and coaching.
Public estimates place his net worth somewhere around $1 million to $2 million, with income coming from:
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His teaching career at Segbroek College
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Football coaching and development roles
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His recent promotion at ADO Den Haag
While his wife is the more high-profile figure, Marten has built financial security through consistency, stability, and work that he loves.
Coaching Philosophy and Why Players Respect Him
Marten’s approach to coaching is based on development, discipline, and tactical awareness. He doesn’t focus only on winning matches—he cares about how players evolve.
Players and colleagues often mention four things about his style:
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He doesn’t raise his voice to make a point.
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He builds confidence rather than pressure.
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He emphasizes intelligent movement and decision-making.
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He builds players for long-term careers, not quick wins.
His teams often display strong mentality, unity, and work ethic—three qualities that explain why he’s trusted with youth and senior sides alike.
Community Involvement Outside Football
Marten has always been active beyond coaching and teaching. He contributes to school programs, organizes local sports initiatives, and mentors young students from diverse backgrounds.
He believes sports aren’t just about athletic ability. They can shape personal discipline, connection, and motivation. His influence extends to:
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Youth development programs
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School mentorship
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Sports event organization
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Local athletic support
His career reflects a holistic belief that football and education together can transform lives.
Life With Sarina Wiegman: Balance Without Fame
Not everyone could handle being married to a global football icon. Marten does it effortlessly. He prefers staying out of the spotlight and gives Sarina space to lead on and off the field.
Their relationship shows what a modern partnership can look like: teamwork, shared passion, and mutual respect. They navigate careers, family life, and coaching without losing perspective.
Even with all the attention surrounding Sarina, Marten continues to define his own identity and success.
Wikipedia and Media Recognition
It might surprise you that Marten still doesn’t have his own Wikipedia page. His story usually appears in articles about ADO Den Haag or Sarina Wiegman. With his growing profile in Dutch football, more media attention seems inevitable.
As women’s football gains global momentum, coaches like Marten are starting to receive more recognition for their work behind the scenes.
The Road Ahead
With his promotion as head coach of ADO Den Haag Women, Marten’s career is trending upward. His coaching, academic background, and youth development experience make him an essential figure in Dutch football.
More opportunities are likely waiting for him—whether that’s greater visibility, coaching roles at higher levels, or even international recognition.
His influence keeps growing, even without actively seeking fame.
Final Thoughts
Marten Glotzbach is one of those rare people who quietly reshape a sport and a community. He has excelled as a teacher, coach, mentor, and family man. His story proves that leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like discipline, patience, and building others up.
Whether he’s working in the classroom, coaching youth players, leading ADO Den Haag Women, or supporting his family, he continues to inspire with a combination of integrity and dedication.