Chloe Kelly ripped her jersey off in a state of euphoria after notching the game-winning goal in the 111th minute to secure England the team’s first UEFA Women’s Euro title.
After a second-half goal by Ella Toone was met with a German equalizer, England was battling tired legs in extra time. Kelly, however, played hero for the Lionesses, with the 24-year-old poking in an England corner to put her side up 2-1 with minutes left to play.
CHLOE. KELLY. @Chloe_Kelly98 😱#WEURO2022 pic.twitter.com/TgTUvvZJW3— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) July 31, 2022
CHLOE. KELLY. @Chloe_Kelly98 😱#WEURO2022 pic.twitter.com/TgTUvvZJW3
A record 87,921 crowd at Wembley Stadium erupted after Kelly’s late finish, cheering on the Lionesses for the remainder of the title matchup.
Kelly’s empathic goal celebration caught the eye of U.S. Women’s National Team legend Brandi Chastain, whose jersey tear became an instantly iconic image, representing a sea change in American soccer.
I see you @Chloe_Kelly98 well done. Enjoy the free rounds of pints and dinners for the rest of your life from all of England. Cheers!— Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain) July 31, 2022
I see you @Chloe_Kelly98 well done. Enjoy the free rounds of pints and dinners for the rest of your life from all of England. Cheers!
England’s victory marks the country’s first major tournament win since 1966, ending an enduring heartbreak for the nation’s soccer culture.
Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman made history herself, winning back-to-back Euro titles with two different countries, following up her 2017 championship with the Netherlands. Wiegman is set to earn a reported £200,000 bonus for lifting the Euros trophy, according to The Telegraph.
Prince William presented the English players with the tournament trophy in a moment likely to dramatically shift the country’s football landscape.