The 77th edition of the SJA British Sports Awards – the longest-established awards of their kind in Britain – will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025; for the second consecutive year, the Awards will be announced live on Sky Sports News; SJA members are invited to VOTE NOW to decide the big three prizes on offer; our SJA Academy members are making their cases for the awards…
With thousands of eyes staring down and millions looking up at their TV screens, one striker steps forward.
Her knee comes up, a hop, a skip, a strike. And it’s in.
Chloe Kelly wins the Euros for England. Again.
She sprints to the corner flag, smirk wide, finger wagging. Part swagger, all emotion. Some labelled it as cocky. But what else would you want from a double-European and Champions League winner?
This 68mph strike against Spain was faster than any Premier League shot from 2024–25. Faster than Salah, faster than Haaland. Faster than everyone.
CLICK HERE FOR VOTING FORM – OPEN TO ALL SJA MEMBERS
Kelly has become the queen of big-pressure moments, from sealing England’s first major title in 2022 to her run to the World Cup final just 12 months later.
Since the Euros, the England forward has been named in the ‘Team of the Tournament’ and placed on the Ballon d’Or podium, proving herself among the global elite.
Then, after a tumultuous transfer, she got her “smile back” at Arsenal, finished second in the WSL, and claimed her first Champions League title.
Against Real Madrid, Kelly delivered two assists in a 3-0 win to overturn a deficit in the knockout stage – a deficit that no team had been able to overcome for the last seven years.
Her creative force and precision make her a standout in the WSL, leading Arsenal with 3.0 chances created and 2.1 successful crosses per 90.
Often changing games rather than starting them, Kelly’s energy shifts momentum from the bench.
Against Sweden, Kelly found Lucy Bronze and teed Michelle Agyemang up, before firing home the decisive penalty. Days later, against Italy, she calmly converted a rebound in the 119th minute to win 2-1.
The Lioness averaged 3.9 shots and 3.6 chances created off the bench – the third-highest at the Euros, showcasing explosive impact and vision to change games quickly.
But as with every tale of heroism, Kelly’s run has not been smooth sailing.
From the cages, where she took on her five older brothers, she squeezed into Sarina Wiegman’s squad, and forced herself to come back stronger from injury.
Having spoken openly about the mental challenges of recovery, Kelly elevated the entire profile of women’s football and emerged more powerful than before.
In February 2025, she received her 50th cap for England against Spain.
Then, this summer, with thousands staring down and millions looking up, when England needed one more, Kelly thundered the ball past Cata Coll to secure England’s victory and their second European title — something that has never happened before.
Under the weight of club and country, Chloe Kelly has proven herself as a player and a role model, determined to win and continuously improve, which is why she should be crowned Sportswoman of the Year.
Daisy Redhead is a member of the SJA Academy for media professionals starting their careers. Click here to join.