Five Things You Didn't Know About Lionesses Legend, Chloe Kelly

With a bunny hop and a skip, Chloe Kelly has become a bona fide Lionesses legend. While she was already making headlines during the 2022 Euros, this time around her star power has only grown, and we're here for the ride.

The West London footballer has been a big part of the Lionesses' success over the last three years and in the shifting culture of English football. After scoring the winning goal in the 2022 Euros final, she famously took off her shirt and waved it in the air, sports bra on display. This, of course, got a distinct few riled up, but is now upheld as an iconic moment in women's football, with fans praising her for empowering women.

This year, she was applauded for hugging the young girl at the medal ceremony, hanging out with the mascot and regrettably also being caught in a moment of celebration where she swore on camera, so real. So, whether it's her favourite BBQ snack (banana with Nutella), her love for AJ Tracey or her unfortunate ability to be caught swearing at the wrong time (also on stage at Buckingham Palace), we want to know it all. 

Find out more about the budding superstar below.

She Is the Youngest of Seven Siblings, With Five Brothers

Getty

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Kelly grew up with lots of activity in a household with six siblings, five of whom were brothers. Saying she was rarely without a ball at her feet, she credits her early progression in football to playing with her brothers at the cage on Southall's Windmill Park Estate in London, an enclosed pitch. Kelly shares that playing cage football hugely shaped her style and creativity in the game.

She Made Her Debut for Arsenal Aged 17

Getty

In 2015, at just 17 years old, the athlete made her debut for Arsenal's first team in a cup match against Watford, scoring a goal in the first 22 minutes in true Kelly style. The star then went on to play for Liverpool-based club Everton in 2016 and Manchester City in 2020, where she made an immediate impact as the club's top goal scorer in her first season. Her high school PE teacher shared with the BBC that the England striker "was always destined for greatness."

She Almost Wasn't Included in This Year's England Squad

Getty

It's hard to imagine a world where Kelly wasn't there to assist in this year's Euros, but at one point, that was a very real possibility. The striker nearly quit the game after she was frozen out by Manchester City, waiting to find out if she'd be moved in time before the January transfer window ended. Eventually, Arsenal stepped up and re-signed her on loan. While initially being left out of Wiegman's England squad, four months later, she was on her way to the Euros (and may we say thank you).

Her Semifinals Headband Is Actually Sports Tape

Getty

Spotted on both Chloe Kelly and Lucy Bronze were headbands that seemed to stay perfectly in place throughout the borderline-chaotic match. It turns out the stylish accessory is made from sports tape designed to secure athletic bandages, a key item in every physiotherapist's kit… and now every girl on sports day. We were wondering how they kept all their swishing ponytails so neatly in place.

She Loves Hip Hop

Getty

Speaking on Radio 2, Kelly shared, "I just love listening to music. My mum always had the radio on, then being from West London, I support people from my area like AJ Tracey. I enjoy listening to his music. He's a friend of mine. It's really nice to see West London doing great in the music industry now."

For more on the England Lionesses, check out Lucy Bronze's iconic strapping moment.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebae