Chloe Kelly has expressed her profound gratitude to England's manager, Sarina Wiegman, for the pivotal role she played in reigniting her hope and career. Kelly's journey to becoming a Euro 2025 champion was far from straightforward, marked by personal struggles and doubts that threatened her place in the squad.
The Lionesses, under Wiegman's guidance, secured their Euro 2025 title by defeating Spain in a thrilling final held in Switzerland. The match was a testament to the team's resilience, requiring them to come back from behind multiple times. Alessia Russo's goal canceled out Mariona Caldentey's opener, ultimately leading to a penalty shootout where Kelly scored the decisive penalty after Hannah Hampton's spectacular saves.
Kelly's journey to the Euro 2025 triumph was fraught with challenges. Earlier in the year, while at Manchester City, she faced a lack of playing time, which deeply affected her mental well-being and led her to consider leaving the sport. She openly expressed her discontent on social media, highlighting the significant impact the situation had on her career and mental state. There was a time when the player even considered quitting the game.
Initially, Wiegman left Kelly out of the squad due to her lack of minutes on the field. However, an injury replacement call-up in February provided Kelly with a lifeline. Since then, she has seized the opportunity, showcasing her talent and determination throughout the tournament, ultimately solidifying her role as a game-changing substitute.
In reflecting on Wiegman's influence, Kelly emphasized the coach's remarkable ability to inspire and instill hope. Kelly acknowledged Wiegman's immense contribution to the Lionesses' success and expressed her personal gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country again.
Sarina Wiegman's leadership has been instrumental in England's recent successes. Under her guidance, the Lionesses have displayed remarkable resilience and tactical prowess. Wiegman's ability to foster a winning mentality and create opportunities for players like Kelly has solidified her reputation as one of the top coaches in the world.
Kelly's journey from struggling for game time to scoring the winning penalty in a major final exemplifies her resilience and determination. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Following the Euro 2025 victory, Kelly expressed her emotions, particularly upon seeing her family. The tears at full-time reflected the culmination of a challenging journey and the overwhelming joy of achieving the ultimate success with her team.