England forward Chloe Kelly has explained her unique penalty routine after firing the Lionesses to European glory once again.
Kelly emphatically slammed home the decisive spot-kick in the shootout as England beat Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2025 final.
After Spain substitute Salma Paralluelo had fired her effort wide of the target, the stage was set for Kelly to win it for Sarina Wiegman’s side.
Going through her routine, the Arsenal star rolled the ball on the spot several times before placing it down, then produced the trademark hop and knee rise run-up and then smashed the ball into the back of the net, giving Cata Coll no chance.
“Honestly, it just making sure that I am ready, not letting anyone take me off my routine,”she said afterwards. I spin the ball so I feel like it is right and then, when I am ready, there is no amount of time, that’s just when I feel that’s the perfect one.
“Whether that will be 10 times [spinning the ball], I’d make sure it is 10 times.
“It is just something that is part of my routine, just like my breathe work is, and I try to stick to that routine as much as possible, and believe in myself in those moments.”
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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2025
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Chloe Kelly comes up with the match-winning moment for the Lionesses again as the European champions retain their crown! #WEuro2025 #WomensEuros #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/sOlPrc4yR9
It is now back-to-back Euro titles for the Lionesses and it was Kelly who proved to be the hero in the final three years ago as she netted a dramatic extra-time winner against Germany at Wembley.
Despite seeing her initial penalty saved in the semi-final win over Italy, Kelly was not fazed about stepping up to take the final spot-kick against Spain.
She added: “To be honest, it started when I was at Everton - quite a few years ago now. It is something that just works for me, I can’t explain it too much.
“I actually spoke with one of the coaches the other day about it, it’s just my routine that works for me and I take my time, I take my breath, and I am confident in that.
“Taking a penalty normally would feel a bit weird to me. So it is just my routine. Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score, but I was adamant I was not missing two on the bounce.”
