Chloe Kelly: The name behind the Euro Winning goal

Chloe Kelly applauds fans at the World Cup in 2023. Photo: London Musuem

By Emma Nicholls (07/11/2024)

Chloe Kelly became a household name after becoming a hero for the Lionesses and helping them secure the win at the 2022 Euros. However, two and a bit years on, Kelly is struggling to get game time for Manchester City. So far this season, Kelly has made five appearances for the club across all competitions out of a possible nine. Only two of these were in the WSL.

Fans were in doubt as to whether Kelly would be called up to the England squad due to her lack of game time at Manchester City. England manager Sarina Wiegman said that Chloe Kelly ‘has built credit’ and ‘she wasn’t in doubt.’  During England's 4-3 loss against Germany last week, Kelly was subbed on during the 73rd minute. 

Some fans are adamant that national team players should be getting regular game time for their club to even be considered for the national team. We have seen other players such as Jordan Nobbs, Nikita Parris, and Bethany England who weren’t getting the game time they needed in order to get called up to the England squad.

All three of these then moved clubs to try and get game time to try and find their place in the England squad once again. With the Euros happening next summer, Kelly needs to make sure she gets game time so she can star for England again, just like she did at the 2022 Euros.

There have been rumours about Kelly moving clubs, however during the summer transfer window it was suggested that there may be a possible transfer to PSG, which is where fellow lioness Mary Earps signed for. These rumours however seemed to fizzle out and she stayed at City.  Her current contract with the club does run out at the end of the season, so it seems likely that we will see a move from her either during the January transfer window or at the end of the season. 

Kelly first signed for Manchester City in 2020 after her contract with Everton expired. She quickly became a star player for the Blues scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists during her debut season.  On the 2nd of May 2021, Kelly sustained an ACL injury against Birmingham City after scoring twice in the first half.

Altogether Kelly has scored 31 goals for the club. It was towards the end of last season that she lost her place in the starting line up to Australian Forward Mary Fowler, who has played in every game for the club so far this season.