Arsenal youngster Michelle Agyemang was named by UEFA as the Best Young Player of Euro 2025 after exceeding expectations in the finals.
When Sarina Weigman announced her final squad for the tournament in Switzerland, the inclusion of Agyemang was a bit shocking because she was so raw and inexperienced, but had shown so many glimpses whenever she got the opportunity to play.
How Agyemang’s impact sent England to the final
Agyemang was called up to the Lionesses squad for the first time on 6 April 2025, where she made her debut two days later against Belgium. After replacing Russo, she scored her first goal after 41 seconds on the pitch. It was a sign that the powerful striker was going to be an important player for England.
Michelle scored England’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Sweden in the quarter final, where the Lionesses went ahead and recorded a victory through a penalty shootout.
In the semi-final, when all hope was lost against Italy, the substitute Agyemang scored a 96th-minute equaliser to break the Italians’ hearts to send the game to extra time, where England went ahead and recorded a 2-1 victory, which sent them to the finals.
Agyemang enjoyed more than 50 minutes in the finals against Spain but did not repeat her heroics against Sweden and Italy, although England won 3-1 on penalties after the 1-1 draw in 120 minutes. Agyemang was born to Ghanaian parents in South Ockendon in Essex.
Other notable awards
Aitana Bonmati won the Player of the Tournament after leading the Spaniards to the finals.
Esther Gonzalez, who put Spain ahead in the finals against England, won the Golden Boot after scoring four goals in six games for Spain.
England defended their crown after a solid display against Spain. The Lionesses have won the European Championship back-to-back. Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman has won the last three editions of the UEFA Women’s Championship.
