Featuring glory, acrimony, adulation and transformation, it’s been quite the year for Chloe Kelly. Up next? A fresh chapter at Arsenal.
Kelly signed for Arsenal permanently in early July, almost immediately after her successful six-month loan spell there ended. This switch became a footnote in the ensuing weeks, with Kelly powering England to Euro 2025 glory as the most impactful of substitutes. Be it creating two match-saving goals in the quarter-final, scoring the winner in the semi-final, or converting the last penalty of the shoot-out in the final, Kelly repeatedly delivered during England’s thrilling run. Having also scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final, she has earned legendary status in English sport.
It is easy to forget, then, that her year had been pretty remarkable even before the Euros. Kelly left Manchester City in hostile fashion last January — she accused the club of trying to “assassinate my character” after she fell out of favour — and joined Arsenal on loan in a desperate attempt to salvage her Euros squad place.
The shoot-out star was the centre of attention during the Lionesses’ victory parade in central London
STEPHEN CHUNG/ALAMY
By the end of May, Kelly had played a crucial role in Arsenal’s victorious Champions League run and her Euros spot was assured. Her contract expired after the season but she swiftly agreed new terms with Arsenal.
Kelly is now favourite to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Given she couldn’t get a minute at the start of 2025, it’s a remarkable turnaround.
“Everything happens for a reason, I’m a big believer in that,” Kelly, 27, said. “The journey has been a little bit crazy: last season, the Champions League, not thinking I’ll even go to the Euros in January and then winning it with an amazing team. It is so special.”
Kelly has admitted she was in a “dark place” and considered quitting football by the end of her time at City, but she is in far better spirits now. Since winning the Euros, she has been moving her life from Manchester to London, staying off social media and decompressing with her loved ones.
Kelly puts in the hard yards in training before Arsenal’s WSL opener on September 6
ALEX BURSTOW/ARSENAL/GETTY
“There have definitely been a few trips on the motorway, getting my stuff back down here,” she said. “It’s been a bit busy over the last few weeks.
“I’ve just spent loads of time with my family, which is special to me, and switched off completely from the game and social media.”
Kelly, whose first stint at Arsenal began when she was 12, also referenced the club’s high standards. She will know, then, that a meaningful Women’s Super League (WSL) title challenge is a necessity this season after Arsenal could not stop Chelsea romping to a sixth straight crown in 2024-25.
Arsenal’s transfer business embodies this need for improvement. Kelly was speaking alongside two other new signings in Taylor Hinds, an experienced left back, and Olivia Smith, the Canada forward who became the first £1million signing in women’s football last month by moving from Liverpool.
As with Trevor Francis in the men’s game 46 years ago, Smith will always have the esteemed status of being the footballer to break the seven-figure barrier. The 21-year-old was conscious of playing down the record, but did lightheartedly confirm she knew who Francis was and referenced her transfer’s significance. Hours after Smith spoke, Orlando Pride set a new high by buying Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres for about £1.1 million.
“It’s great to see the development of women’s football and that price going up,” Smith said. “It’s definitely an honour. To come with such a hefty price tag as such a young player, I think they see the potential I have.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be without Leah Williamson for the opening weeks of the season. The England captain has had a knee procedure after suffering an injury in the Euro 2025 final. Arsenal’s first WSL game is at home to London City Lionesses on September 6.