Michelle Agyemang named best young player of Euro 2025
England fans have a new idol
Forward Michelle Agyemang has been named Euro 2025’s young player of the tournament following a series of decisive cameos during the Lionesses’ successful title defence.
Author | Olivia T
The 19-year-old Arsenal striker featured for just 138 minutes in Switzerland and did not start a single game, yet made a vital impact in key moments.
Her late equalisers against Sweden in the quarter-finals and Italy in the semi-finals proved instrumental in taking England to a dramatic final, where they retained their European crown with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel.
Who is Michelle Agyemang?
Just a few months ago, Michelle Agyemang was largely unknown to the wider public. At 19, she had been drafted from the England under-19s to step in for Alessia Russo during a Nations League match against Belgium in Leuven.
To many reading the headlines when the news was announced, Michelle Agyemang appeared to come from nowhere. A 19-year-old called up from the England under-19s to replace Alessia Russo for the return fixture against Belgium in Leuven.
READ MORE | The story of Euro 2025
Within the England camp, Agyemang was far from a mystery. Coaches and staff had long been aware of her potential and presence, recognising her as a talent already making waves behind the scenes.
A goal less than a minute into her senior debut against Belgium appeared to be enough to secure her place on the plane for Switzerland and Euro. It was clearly about much more than that.
"Despite her lack of experience, you could see Agyemang was physically stronger than most of her opponents," says Tim, an England fan. "She was more athletic and more technical. She stood out straight away and quickly became the focal point of every game she played in."
Who else won individual awards?
Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, was awarded player of the tournament. The 27-year-old midfielder had been hospitalised with viral meningitis shortly before the competition and was used sparingly in the early stages, coming off the bench in the world champions’ first two matches. But she grew in stature as the tournament progressed, scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final against Germany.
Spain’s Esther González finished as top scorer with four goals from six appearances.
