Chloe Kelly criticized by Spanish media after Euro final win

Chloe Kelly has received backlash from Spanish outlets for her actions after England's victory in the Euro 2025 final.

Chloe Kelly faces criticism from Spanish media after Euro 2025 win

Chloe Kelly, the England football star, is under fire from the Spanish press for her conduct after scoring the decisive penalty in the Euro 2025 final. In a tense match against Spain that ended in a penalty shootout, England triumphed 3-2. Kelly's celebration, which included maintaining eye contact with Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll after scoring, has been labelled as 'cocky' by Diario AS. They described her move as unnecessary, expressing disdain for what they perceived as taunting. The Spanish media also characterized Spain's loss as England 'robbing' them of a historical victory, emphasizing Spain's dominance throughout the match.

The criticism Kelly faces highlights the emotional intensity surrounding national rivalries in sports. Celebrations can be seen as fuel for fervent reactions, particularly from an emotionally invested fan base. In this case, the contrast between celebration and the seriousness of defeat has led to a backlash against Kelly. These reactions also bring to light how sportsmanship is perceived differently across cultures, especially in high-stakes games. As social media amplifies such incidents, athletes may need to navigate a complex landscape of expectations surrounding their behavior.

Highlights

The repercussions of such media scrutiny could influence future player conduct in high-pressure situations.