By: Eugene Upah
Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton Emerge as Heroes in Euro 2025 Final Triumph
England has successfully defended their European Championship title, defeating Spain 3-1 in a thrilling penalty shoot-out after the Euro 2025 final ended 1-1 in regular and extra time. The Lionesses’ victory was sealed by the heroics of Chloe Kelly, who scored the decisive spot-kick, and Hannah Hampton, whose crucial saves in goal proved pivotal.
The match, held in a packed stadium, saw Spain take the lead in the first half through Mariona Caldentey. However, England’s Alessia Russo found the equalizer, pushing the highly contested final into extra time and ultimately to penalties.
For Chloe Kelly, the moment was eerily familiar. Just as she did in the Euro 2022 final against Germany, the Arsenal winger once again scored the winning goal for the Lionesses in a European Championship. Her cool and composed strike from the spot secured back-to-back titles for England.
“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don’t miss a penalty twice!” Kelly told BBC Sport, referencing a penalty she had saved earlier in the tournament against Italy in the semi-finals, where she subsequently scored the rebound.
Addressing her critics, Kelly later stated in a press conference, “Tough times don’t last. Just around the corner was a Champions League final and I won that. Now a Euros final and I won that. Thanks to everyone that wrote me off. I’m grateful.”
The praise for England’s win extended beyond Kelly. USA coach Emma Hayes lauded both Kelly and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, telling ITV Sport, “As it was going on it was nailed on for the Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly show. Both of them, in the big moments, under the most pressure, mentality monsters.”
Hampton, a Chelsea signing under Hayes last summer, silenced any doubters with a stellar performance throughout the match and the penalty shoot-out. She made a string of vital saves during regular play and then impressively saved two of Spain’s penalties in the shoot-out, showcasing remarkable calm and assurance in a high-pressure situation.
“This team is just unbelievable, incredible,” Hampton shared. “We’ve shown throughout the tournament we can come back when we go a goal back. We’ve got that grit, that English blood in us. We never say die, we keep going and we did that today.”
The victory marks England’s second consecutive European Championship title, solidifying their position as a dominant force in women’s football.
