Three years ago, she gave us that unforgettable moment at Wembley—racing across the pitch, shirt swinging over her head in pure, unfiltered joy.
Back then, it felt like nothing could top that image.
But last night in Switzerland, as the sun dipped behind the stadium roof, Chloe Kelly did it again—this time with even more poise, purpose, and pressure on her shoulders.
England were deep in a nail-biting penalty shootout with Spain in the Women’s Euros final.
And Kelly, calm and composed, was the last to step up.
She spun the ball in her hands five times, adjusted her ponytail, and took that now-iconic skip toward the ball before sending it flying into the net.
Just like that, England were champions once again.
A Super Sub Who Stole the Show
What makes this moment even more incredible? Kelly hadn’t even started the match.
Yet for the second time in a week, she was the player who made all the difference coming off the bench.
There’s a strong case to be made that Chloe Kelly is one of the most clutch substitutes in England’s football history—men’s or women’s.
While Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí was named Player of the Tournament, many felt Kelly’s consistent impact and determination told the deeper story.
She’s a player who’s fought back from being sidelined at Manchester City, found joy again on loan at Arsenal, and now shines when the stakes are highest.
England Stumble Early but Regain Control
England didn’t have it easy. In the first half, their game plan seemed shaky.
They sat deep, played compact, and struggled to press Spain’s fluid attack.
Lauren James, who likely wasn’t fully fit, was caught flat-footed as Spain broke through to score first.
Lucy Bronze could only watch with her hands on her head, knowing a mistake had just cost them.
Spain’s pressure was suffocating, keeping England pinned back.
They couldn’t even hold on to the ball long enough to catch their breath.
The passing carousel Spain put them through looked like it might be too much.
Second-Half Spark Brings England to Life
But England regrouped—and fast. Sarina Wiegman’s side came out after halftime with a new energy and an aggressive attitude.
The turning point came with Kelly herself, who had replaced James near the end of the first half.
She immediately made an impact, whipping in a perfect cross for Alessia Russo to head in the equalizer.
It was England at their best: direct, purposeful, and ready to battle. The crowd felt it. So did Spain.
A Tournament of Records for Kelly
This tournament has seen some truly exceptional crossing, but no one delivered more as a substitute than Chloe Kelly.
She tallied 10 crosses—more than any other sub in women’s Euros history going back to 2011.
She didn’t stop there. Soon after the assist, she was charging into the box again, shifting the ball from left foot to right and forcing a fingertip save from Spanish keeper Cata Coll.
She was everywhere—attacking, pressing, pushing the pace.
England’s Defense Deserves a Standing Ovation
While the spotlight often shines on the goalscorers, England’s defense was immense.
Keeper Hannah Hampton was superb, making two critical saves in the shootout to set up Kelly’s winner.
Jess Carter had a strong showing after being reintroduced to the starting eleven, and Leah Williamson—arguably England’s best player on the night—was a force at the back.
And let’s not forget Lucy Bronze, who revealed she had played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia.
Her grit and leadership were nothing short of inspiring.
Shootout Tension and Redemption
The penalty shootout itself was full of drama.
Beth Mead slipped on her attempt, and Michelle Agyemang had to retake her kick after a double touch, only to miss. Spain had the early advantage.
But then England’s takers found their footing—Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and others delivered under pressure.
Leah Williamson’s penalty was brilliantly saved, but Hampton came through again, and Spain’s Salma Paralluelo sent one wide.
Suddenly, the final moment belonged to Kelly.
Chloe Kelly Seals It with Her Signature Cool
With everything on the line, Kelly stepped forward—cool, confident, and composed.
And just like she did in that unforgettable Wembley final, she delivered.
Her run to the corner flag afterward, arms stretched wide, was pure poetry.
At 27, Chloe Kelly has become the heartbeat of this team.
Wembley wasn’t her peak—it was just the beginning.