Chloe Kelly, the star forward for England’s Lionesses, has been at the centre of nationwide celebration following the team’s remarkable achievement in securing back-to-back UEFA Women’s European Championship titles. Scoring the winning penalty against Spain in the Euro 2025 final held in Switzerland, Kelly’s decisive strike sealed England’s historic 3-1 victory in a tense shootout. This triumph made the Lionesses the first English senior team to retain a major tournament title and to do so on foreign soil, further solidifying their status as icons of women’s football.

In the days following the final, Kelly’s influence and popularity soared. She not only scored a dramatic late winner in extra time during the semi-final but also captured the nation’s heart with her vibrant celebrations. Most memorably, on the pitch, she delivered a now-famous line, “so nice we had to do it twice,” reflecting England’s consecutive European wins, and later celebrated atop an open-top bus during the jubilant parade in London. Over 65,000 fans turned out to honour the team, enjoying performances from artists including Katy B and Burna Boy, as well as emotional speeches led by captain Leah Williamson, who praised the team’s resilience through challenges. The parade culminated in a celebratory gathering outside Buckingham Palace, where the Lionesses led the crowd in renditions of Tina Turner’s “River Deep Mountain High,” a song that has become synonymous with the team’s spirit.

Kelly’s celebration extended beyond the capital. Over the weekend, she threw a lively street party in her hometown of Hanwell, West London, dancing alongside friends and family to Cameo’s hit “Candy,” encapsulating the community pride and joy sparked by her achievements. Her connection to Hanwell runs deep—she attended Elthorne Park High School and has never forgotten her roots, inspiring many local girls to dream big in sports. Ealing Council, recognising her profound impact both on and off the pitch, plans to bestow upon Kelly the Freedom of the Borough later this year, a prestigious civic honour. The council is also exploring ways to publicly commemorate her contributions through community art projects and other tributes.

Kelly’s journey has been marked by memorable moments and a reputation for bold celebration. Her iconic goal during the Euro 2022 final against Germany, which secured England’s first major women’s trophy, was followed by a powerful celebration where she stripped off her shirt, revealing her sports bra—a gesture that sparked much discussion about gender norms in sports. The incident was dubbed “the best yellow card” she ever received, reflecting her unreserved joy and the changing landscape of women’s football, where players now openly express passion in ways traditionally seen in the men’s game.

The whole Lionesses squad was welcomed home with adoration after their victory, greeted by fans at London’s Southend Airport and honoured with a national reception hosted by government officials at Downing Street. Though Prime Minister Keir Starmer was absent due to diplomatic duties, he praised the team’s role in inspiring young people and advancing women’s sports. This victory, combined with their prior success, has not only cemented their legacy in English football history but also highlighted the rapid growth and broader acceptance of women’s football in the UK.

As celebrations transition from public parades to more personal acknowledgements like Kelly’s hometown party and upcoming civic honours, the Lionesses continue to serve as pioneers and role models. Their resilience, unity, and groundbreaking performances have pushed the sport into a new era, energising a generation and reshaping the cultural landscape of football.

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Source: Noah Wire Services