From January’s dramatic transfer deadline day to success with England and Arsenal, 2025 has been a year of contrasts for Chloe Kelly, writes Anton Troi…
The determined, skilled and match-winning winger became one of the faces of the summer after leading Arsenal to Champions League glory and scoring the penalty that sealed England’s success at the Euros.
But the year began with Kelly questioning his future in the sport after falling out of favor with Manchester City and falling out with key figures at the club.
“It was definitely a dark time for me,” Kelly admitted when speaking about a possible departure from football at the end of January.
“During dark times, you learn a lot about yourself and about others. I learned how strong I am mentally.
“I’m so grateful for the position I’m in today. When I step on the field, I have a smile on my face because I feel like I’ve found my love for soccer again.”
Drama for Champions League success on deadline day
Kelly went into the transfer deadline day at the end of January not knowing what his future held. If she did not take action, leaving the pitch was a serious option.
Manchester United and Brighton showed interest in Kelly, who was waiting anxiously at home.
With 15 minutes remaining, an agreement was reached for a loan move with Arsenal.
“Let’s go!” Kelly recalled when asked about his reaction to the late action. “I’m so excited and a new chapter has begun. I just wanted to find happiness and a love for football.”
Within six months, Kelly would go from reserve to superstar again.
As Arsenal struggled towards the end of the season, any doubts or frustrations were quickly put to rest as Kelly quickly found his form.
She played a role in come-from-behind wins over Real Madrid and Lyon, helping Arsenal reach the Champions League final for the first time in almost 20 years.
Standing in their way was defending champion Barcelona, a team lined with star players including Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bommatti and Alexia Putelas.
“We weren’t going into the finals in fear of them,” Kelly said.
“Obviously you respect those guys, but we asked, ‘What can we bring to the game?’ We were enjoying not having the ball, but then Stina came in and did what she does best.”
Kelly was referring to Stina Braxtenius, who scored a late goal in front of a sold-out crowd in Lisbon to give Arsenal a famous 1-0 victory.
“The Champions League final will always stay in my heart, it was truly incredible.”
Just a few months after his deadline day transfer, Kelly became a Champions League winner.
Steph Catley, Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly celebrate
regain his place in the England squad
Club football isn’t the only place the Kellys have had to contend with adversity this year.
Due to his lack of appearances for Man City, he was left out of Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for 2025, but was later called up as an injury substitute.
She took her second chance and never looked back.
“Playing for your country is something you don’t take for granted. You have to show what you can do, but at the time my legs weren’t good enough to play football.
“I wasn’t worried. I hope that when I get on the pitch, I can show that I have the qualities to be in the team.”
“I had a really good conversation with Sarina. I had a lot of respect for her, but I knew it wasn’t in the best interest of the team for me to not have minutes.”
Chloe Kelly missed out on England selection earlier this year due to lack of game time
Wiegmann’s honesty was replicated this summer when Kelly was told his role at the Euros would be primarily from the bench unless there was an injury or major change in form.
While some players would have a hard time dealing with being demoted to impact sub, Kelly had a very clear understanding of his role.
That meant doing everything in her power to make sure she was physically and mentally ready for when the country needed her.
“Sareena talked to me a lot about my role, but I had to be well prepared because I didn’t know how many minutes I would be given.
“That’s part of my mindset. It’s not a given to start, it’s not a given to come off the bench, so when I get on the field, I’m going to be ready for that moment.”
Kerry sets the euro on fire
And Kelly was definitely ready to step up.
Her two assists off the bench kept England in the game against Sweden, and a penalty in the shootout sealed the Lionesses’ place in the semi-finals.
Michel Agyemang and Chloe Kelly celebrate the late extra-time goal that put England through to the final
Kelly was needed again in the fourth round to score the winning goal late on against Italy, and then set up Alessia Russo’s equalizer in the final against Spain.
Some would call it fate that Kelly would be the player to step up in the next shootout and become England’s tournament winner, but it would undermine her efforts.
Kelly is perhaps the most clutch player in English football history, thanks to hard work, extensive practice and learning how to deal with adversity.
Kelly epitomized England’s relentless desire to win at Euro 2025, coming off the bench to change the course of the match.
“I’m enjoying the pressure and the big moments. I’m ready for it and it doesn’t even cross my mind how big it is.
“After that, just enjoy yourself. I love stepping up in important moments. It just so happens that the fifth penalty falls on me.”
But Kelly admitted his second success at the Euros felt different from his first.
Celebrations at Wembley in 2022 were made even more colorful with Kelly joining the squad late after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
In 2025, her time on the biggest stage has been largely taken away by other factors. It led her down a dark path, only to pass through the other end with a medal around her neck.
