Sunday night’s dramatic Women’s Euros final ended in scenes of English celebration—and a bit of Spanish outrage.
As England edged past Spain in a tense penalty shootout, it wasn’t just the scoreline that caught attention.
It was Chloe Kelly’s bold celebration after scoring the winning penalty that quickly set tongues wagging.
The Goal That Sealed It—And Stirred Controversy
When it mattered most, Chloe Kelly stepped up with confidence and delivered.
Her penalty strike past Spanish keeper Cata Coll secured England’s 3-1 shootout victory and crowned them champions once again.
But while Lionesses fans erupted in joy, Spanish outlet Diario AS had a very different take.
They criticized Kelly’s celebration as “cocky” and “unnecessary,” pointing to how she deliberately veered her run to pass close by the defeated goalkeeper before heading to the England supporters’ section.
In their words, “This is unnecessary, my friend,” highlighting what they saw as a disrespectful move rather than a spontaneous burst of emotion.
Flashbacks to a Familiar Hero
This isn’t Chloe Kelly’s first rodeo. She famously scored the winner in the 2022 Euros final against Germany, and her knack for delivering in crucial moments once again made the difference on Sunday.
Coming off the bench midway through the first half, the Arsenal winger completely shifted the game’s tempo.
Spain had taken the lead through Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute, and were firmly in control.
But Kelly’s impact was immediate—she assisted Alessia Russo’s equaliser just after halftime, swinging the momentum in England’s favour.
A Nerve-Wracking Shootout
With neither side able to break the deadlock in 120 minutes of play, it all came down to penalties.
And that’s when England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton stepped into the spotlight.
She made two key saves and watched another Spanish effort drift wide, helping England clinch the shootout 3-1.
Kelly’s final spot-kick wasn’t just a decider—it was a redemption moment after England’s heartbreaking World Cup loss to Spain two years ago.
Spanish Media Accuse England of “Robbery”
Spanish sports media didn’t hold back in their post-match analysis.
Diario AS suggested England had “robbed” Spain of the title, insisting La Roja had controlled most of the match and didn’t deserve to lose.
Their commentary struck a poetic tone, saying: “The dream ends in a nightmare… England tied a match that Spain largely dominated.”
They added, “History is made by victories, and also by defeats,” before lamenting how Spain couldn’t “complete the circle they began two years ago in Sydney.”
According to them, the penalty shootout was little more than “tossing a few dice in the air.”
Wiegman’s Golden Touch Continues
For England head coach Sarina Wiegman, Sunday’s victory marks her third European Championship title—adding to her 2022 triumph with England and her 2017 win with the Netherlands.
Her remarkable ability to lead teams to glory remains unmatched in the women’s game.
What’s Next?
England’s victory will no doubt spark celebrations across the country, while the sting of defeat will linger in Spain for some time.
But beyond the controversy, the final showed just how far women’s football has come—full of drama, talent, and yes, a little bit of fire.
As for Chloe Kelly? Love her confidence or not, she’s once again written her name into the history books.