Lionesses hero Chloe Kelly slammed for 'cocky gesture' after beating Spain in Euro 2025 Final
England hero Chloe Kelly has been labelled "cocky" by the Spanish media as her celebrations are criticised. The Arsenal winger smashed home the winning penalty to deliver Euros success for the Lionesses.
It was the second time in succession they've claimed European glory but Kelly's antics have not gone down well with foreign media. They claim that her celebration in front of La Roja stopper Cata Coll was "unnecessary".
They say that Kelly, who scored the winner in England's 2022 Euros final win over Germany, diverted her path after scoring from 12 yards and made a gesture in front of the keeper, as is claimed by Spanish outlet Dario AS.
They wrote: "This is unnecessary, my friend: Kelly's cocky gesture to Cata Coll after scoring the decisive penalty. The England specialist changed her run during her penalty celebration to get past the goalkeeper she had just beaten." It comes after Kelly made a b-line for the England supporters in the corner, but that was described as "cocky" and uncalled-for.
Kelly came off the bench for the Euros final and produced some historic contributions. Before scoring her penalty she assisted Alessia Russo's 57th-minute equaliser that cancelled out Mariona Caldentey's opener for Spain.
Kelly had missed a penalty in the semi-final win over Italy, scoring the rebound, and was adamant history wouldn't repeat itself. She said: "I was adamant I wasn't missing two on the bounce. I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice."
The 27-year-old feared her England hopes were disappearing as she struggled for form and minutes whilst at Manchester City. Kelly eventually signed for Arsenal on loan in January, and made her move permanent in July, which saw her get back to her best and land some career milestones.
"If that's a story to tell someone maybe experiencing something the same - tough times don't last," she said. "Just around the corner was a Champions League final, won that, and now a Euros final, won that."
Kelly hailed the influence of her manager, Sarina Wiegman, as she said: "She gave me hope when I probably didn't have any. She gave me an opportunity to represent my country again."
In a telling dig to those who doubted her the Arsenal star said on social media: "Thank you to everyone who wrote me off - I'm grateful."
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Lionesses Bring It Home Again - Souvenir Edition
Sarina Wiegman's legends have made history and brought football home once more after defending their title and winning Euro 2025 in Switzerland. We have produced this special souvenir edition of the Women's Football News.
It is crammed with interviews with the Lionesses, special features, their match-by-match road to glory as well as dozens of amazing images. Click here to buy
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