From Nearly Quitting to Euros Glory: Chloe Kelly's Incredible Journey as England's Game-Changing Super Sub

Chloe Kelly positioned herself at the press conference table, took a moment to pause, and reflected on her path to this point. 

This point being the conclusion of the women's Euro semifinal at the Stade de Genève, in Switzerland, where Kelly had just netted the decisive goal to propel England to a 2–1 comeback victory over Italy in extra time. 

The 27-year-old looked out at the assembled journalists in the confined space and pondered her progression. Circumstances could have been vastly different for Kelly. There exists an alternate reality where Kelly isn't participating in soccer at all, where she isn't fulfilling her aspirations, creating history with England.

"I considered abandoning football, so that makes you incredibly thankful for these experiences today, and makes you savor every second of it," Kelly remarked following England's triumph over Italy.

One hundred seventy-three days prior to her decisive goal in the Euro 2025 semifinal, Kelly was sidelined at Manchester City and excluded from the England roster. She was contemplating stepping away from soccer entirely, as her playing opportunities and contentment declined.

The deadlock originated from Manchester City's unwillingness to permit the winger to move to a competing team in the English Women's Super League, which forced Kelly to use social media to publicly request an departure from Manchester. 

"With the Euros approaching rapidly, this summer is crucial and I want to be positioned to give my absolute best to represent my nation. Something which has always brought me immense pride and it is a genuine honor to do so," Kelly declared in a statement in January. 

"To be controlled regarding whom I can and cannot join with merely four months remaining of the football season is significantly affecting not only my career but my mental health. The situation has persisted too long, it's frustrating and unjust."

Kelly's public appeal succeeded. And, within 36 hours, Kelly transferred on loan to Arsenal. She would proceed to make 16 appearances, netting two goals and recording six assists as the Gunners embarked on a remarkable journey to defeat Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final. This summer, she secured a permanent contract with the club.

With Kelly's career restored, her displays toward the conclusion of the 2024-25 season secured her spot in Sarina Wiegman's England squad for Euro 2025. She was once again given her renowned No.18 jersey, which she had donned at England's previous two major tournaments.

It has been a fascinating year for one of the Lionesses' most legendary players. After all, it was Kelly who memorably entered from the bench to score the decisive goal in the women's Euro 2022 final against Germany at Wembley Stadium. 

Instantly, Kelly and the Lionesses became recognizable figures after securing England its first international major soccer championship since 1966. 

Something that has characterized Kelly's tenure with England is her self-assurance. Few players would have openly criticized a club to force a transfer, but it was unquestionably the correct decision for her. 

Similarly, there is a subtle confidence to Kelly's playing approach. A mischievous smile often appears in high-stakes moments, like before she executed a penalty kick in the quarterfinal against Sweden. Her assurance has no limits.  

As a manager, Wiegman is recognized as a thorough strategist. And yet, England's dramatic path to the final has been characterized by things not proceeding as planned. It will be unsurprising, though, that Wiegman's faith in Kelly to be ready for crucial moments is incorporated into her role with England.

In Geneva, Wiegman stated Kelly "excels" in these high-stakes moments and that she "enjoys" entering a match with everything at stake.

"I think everyone embraces their role, whatever role she's assigned. What we attempt to do is provide as much clarity about that, but also the responsibility on the field, when you enter, and when we make a substitution," Wiegman stated.

Lucy Bronze, England's most seasoned player on the Euro 2025 squad, also commended Kelly's indescribable confidence. "When she's on the field, regardless of the moment or how she's feeling, the crowd, she's going to straighten her shoulders, puff out her chest, and attack it. She's just got this mentality and confidence," Bronze stated.

When questioned about who has assisted her in developing into the person that radiates such confidence, Kelly responded, "myself."

"I believe confidence originates from within, but from your surroundings as well, the players that you stand alongside on the field cultivate confidence in each other. The people that you surround yourself with away from the field, my family is extremely important to me, and they bring out a lot of confidence in me," said Kelly. 

This steadfast self-belief is evidence of what has made her and England so remarkable at Euro 2025. In moments of difficulty, the Lionesses have discovered a solution. The substitute players have had a tremendous impact on reversing matches.

After everything she has experienced, Kelly is thrilled to be contributing to this comeback story, just like she did at Euro 2022. Not only did she enter from the bench to score the decisive goal in the 119th minute against Italy, but she also helped to set up both goals in the 2–2 quarterfinal tie against Sweden.

Alongside 19-year-old emerging star Michelle Agyemang, who scored the equalizer in both the Sweden and Italy matches, Kelly has been one of England's champions of the tournament. 

"That's what I mean when I say, when provided the chance, we seize it. Whether that's stepping into a different role, or taking the step from the sideline onto the field, and any opportunity you receive to wear the badge, we're all so honored to do so," said Kelly. 

Like so much of Kelly's career, things could have been different in Geneva. Kelly stepped forward to take the penalty in the 119th minute only to watch it stopped by Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, but she was alert enough to convert the rebound and secure the semifinal victory.

The decisive goal was scored in front of the England supporters. Kelly celebrated by asking the fans to "calm down" before then honoring a legend of the men's game, Thierry Henry, by striking a pose at the corner flag. Another emotional journey, but Kelly made it all appear effortless.

Remarkably, Kelly has yet to begin a match at a European championship. She has made 11 appearances for England across Euro 2022 and 2025, with all 11 coming from the bench. To solidify her legendary super-sub status even further, Kelly has more substitute appearances than any other player in the history of the women's Euros. 

Next up for England is a final encounter with Spain. It is a form of revenge after the Spanish defeated the Lionesses 1–0 in the women's World Cup 2023 final. Kelly was, unsurprisingly, a substitute in that match too. Entering at halftime, with England already trailing 1–0, Kelly was unable to make her characteristic impact and created just one opportunity, taking zero shots. 

But this is the Euros, and Kelly will be the only player on the field who has scored a decisive goal in a women's Euro before. And, one can imagine, she will have all the confidence to believe that she can accomplish it again. 

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