Michelle Agyemang was crowned the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Young Player of the Tournament on Sunday.
Following the Lionesses’ penalty shootout win over Spain in the final, our young forward was recognised for her outstanding impact in Sarina Wiegman’s team of late.
Going back to England’s opening game of the tournament, a 2-1 defeat to France on July 5, it was Michelle’s 86th-minute introduction that brought about a different threat, allowing Keira Walsh to pull one back late on.
Agyemang’s super sub status only grew in the knockout stages, coming off the bench to score the equaliser in a 2-2 quarter-final draw with Sweden, which England won 3-2 on penalties.
She was the hero again in the semi-final, rescuing the country in the 96th minute when England looked down and out against Italy. Taking the tie to extra-time, Agyemang’s goal provided the opportunity for Chloe Kelly to send England to the final, that she would go on to win against Spain with the deciding penalty.
It was the 71st minute when Agyemang replaced Alessia Russo in the final, before picking up a deserved award in a breakout tournament.
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After the game, she said: “Straight after the game I cried my eyes out again! It just feels surreal. I’m so grateful to God that we’re here, because at the beginning of the tournament it seemed like we wanted get here, but here we are.
“It means the world to me. This is only by the grace of God. [I was a ball girl] four years ago, so it’s such a short amount of time, but to be here, I’m thankful for my teammates, to the coaches, staff and to God, the messiah of course.
“I love you dad and thanks for all the support and that goes for the rest of my family. They’ve been with me the whole way and to share this moment with them, all here in the stands right now is beautiful.
“I want to keep working hard, winning tournaments and doing what I can to help my team, whether club or country. To be here, let’s think about the now. We’re European champions and that’s what matters right now! I won’t say too much but I’m going to have a good time!”
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