Women’s football is thriving, but as it grows, the challenges for players become more complex. Despite this, a leading contender for Sports Personality of the Year remains composed.
Late last year, Chloe Kelly contemplated leaving football. She was unhappy at Manchester City, where she had played since 2020, as they neither let her play nor leave. Limited time on the field left her unsure if she’d be selected for England, who were gearing up to defend the title she helped win at the 2022 Euros. At 26, nearing 27, after turning professional at 18, her mother was worried and wanted her daughter to regain happiness. “I remember my mum coming up to see me and she was meant to go home, but she didn’t go home, because she was so worried,” recalls Kelly.
Fast forward less than a year, and the situation has changed dramatically. Kelly is now the favorite for Sports Personality of the Year after a remarkable comeback. In January, she was loaned to Arsenal, and by May, she helped them clinch the Champions League trophy, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in the final where they were the underdogs. In July, she scored a pivotal penalty for England, earning them a second Euros title against rivals Spain. She ranked fifth in the Ballon D’or Féminin and made her debut on the Fifpro World 11 squad, a peer-voted list of top footballers globally. Despite the odds, 2025 has been exceptionally successful. “For sure,” Kelly smiles. “To bounce back, that’s what makes it the best year of my career.”
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com