Reason Lionesses star didn't get sponsor money despite Ian Wright's 'pay her' demand

Daily Mirror

3 days ago

Arsenal's Beth Mead was a standout performer for England when they won the Euro 2022 title, but a beer company's decision to use her name left Ian Wright seething
Arsenal icon Ian Wright stepped in to support England Lionesses star Beth Mead after a beer brand appeared to exploit her name for profit – though the situation turned out to be a misunderstanding. Mead, who helped England clinch victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final on Sunday, teamed up with Camden Town Brewery during the previous European Championship campaign to launch a custom beverage.
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After England's historic win back in 2022, the London-based brewery announced a short-run product named Goalden Mead. It paid tribute to the Lionesses ' achievement and referenced Beth's last name.
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Proceeds from the drink were promised to a charitable organisation chosen by Mead herself. Wright, a strong supporter of women's football and a BBC pundit during the past two Euros tournaments, voiced approval of the charitable aspect but expressed concern over whether Mead was financially compensated for her involvement, emphasising they should "pay her."
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"All good and well to add the charity element to this," he posted on X three years ago. "But has Beth been properly paid for using her name and associating her with your brand? Pay her."
Camden Town Brewery later replied to Wright's comments, confirming that Mead had approved the release in advance. According to the brewery, she personally selected the charity to benefit from the initiative, indicating she may have foregone any personal earnings from the campaign.
A spokesperson told the Express: "We made sure Beth was aware of the beer before we made it available for our Camden and footie fans, and she even nominated the charity partner herself, so all money is going to a good cause - and we'll be matching donations."
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England claimed the UEFA Euro 2022 title after a dramatic extra-time victory against Germany. In the Euro 2025 final, it took penalties to separate the two teams, who also faced off in the 2023 Women's World Cup final – a match Mead missed due to injury.
Mariona Caldentey opened the scoring for Spain midway through the first half, but England responded shortly after the break through Alessia Russo. Mead, who started on the bench, was brought on in the closing minutes of regular time to add fresh energy, but couldn't find a breakthrough.
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With the match ending in a draw, the outcome was decided by a penalty shootout. Mead stepped up to take England's first spot-kick, but failed to find the back of the net. Undeterred, Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Chloe Kelly all held their nerve, converting their penalties to secure a 3-1 shootout win – and a second consecutive European Championship title for the Lionesses.
Mead started just once for England at the tournament – their opening round 2-1 defeat to France – but came off the bench in every subsequent match. She found the net once, scoring in England's emphatic 6-1 group-stage win over Wales, a modest return compared to her remarkable Euro 2022 campaign.
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At that tournament, Mead scored six goals, securing both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament honours for her outstanding performances. Her success was further recognised with the 2022 Sports Personality of the Year award and a runner-up finish in the Ballon d'Or Feminin.
Mead plays for Arsenal in the Women's Super League and reportedly earns an annual salary of £25,000. However, she received a well-deserved £55,000 bonus from the FA following England's Euro 2022 triumph.
Whether a similar bonus scheme – or even another limited-edition Lionesses-inspired beer – will follow this latest success remains to be seen.