Chloe Kelly has found herself at the centre of a media storm in Spain after her dramatic penalty sealed England’s victory in the Women’s Euros final — and her bold celebration didn’t go unnoticed.
After slotting the winning penalty past Spanish keeper Cata Coll, the 27-year-old Arsenal winger was criticised by Spanish outlet Diario AS for making what they described as a “cocky” and “unnecessary” gesture in front of the goalkeeper.
The publication claimed Kelly deliberately altered her route after scoring, veering towards the Spain keeper before sprinting off to celebrate with England fans. “This is unnecessary, my friend,” the report stated, referring to her direct path past Coll.
Kelly’s confident performance changed the course of the game, having been subbed in during the first half. She assisted Alessia Russo’s second-half equaliser, helping turn around a match that Spain had largely dominated.
The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, pushing both teams to a tense penalty shootout. England emerged victorious, thanks in part to keeper Hannah Hampton, who made two crucial saves. Kelly then smashed her spot-kick into the top corner to seal the 3-1 win.
While Spanish media accused England of “robbing” their World Cup-winning opponents, calling the shootout “cruel” and “like tossing dice in the air,” fans in the UK celebrated Kelly’s fire and flair.
The Lionesses’ triumph marked back-to-back Euros titles and added another trophy to coach Sarina Wiegman’s glittering record, having previously won with both England and the Netherlands.
Despite the criticism, many supporters saw Kelly’s celebration not as arrogance, but as the expression of a fearless player who once again delivered on the biggest stage.
