Through thick and thin, we follow Wales, but nothing could have prepared me for the whirlwind of emotions that came with our debut at the Women’s Euros 2025 in Switzerland. Wales have made history this summer on one of the world’s biggest stages.
It’s been a long road to get here. Watching Wales battle through the qualifiers was a test of nerves and belief in equal measure. There were times we scraped through, times we soared, and times we held our breath, unsure if this was going to be our year. But the team never lost faith, and neither did we.
To have qualified was reason enough to be proud of this team, but the best was yet to come.
Our journey started in Lucerne.
The fanzone before our first game against the Netherlands was electric. A sea of red shirts and the famous bucket hats filled the streets. Chants, cheers, and the echoes of Yma o Hyd filled the air. For a small country, we have a loud voice. Whether it’s during the fan walk or in the stands, Wales never stop.
The stage was set. We had beer in our hands, and passion in our hearts. Nothing could stop us now.
The anthem. This was what I was most looking forward to. Hearing Mae Hen Wald Fy Nhadau is always a moving experience, but hearing it on this stage, surrounded by our people, was overwhelming. An anthem fuelled by passion, heritage and culture, it always creates an atmosphere that is unmatched.
In all honesty, singing it for the first time at a major tournament brought me to tears. Real tears. Tears stemming from pride, joy and an acknowledgment of decades of hard work pouring out in one moment. It was, and always will be, one of my standout memories from the last ten days.
While the match didn’t go our way with a 3-0 loss to the Dutch, we held our heads high. We’re proud of this team no matter what. This was only the beginning.
As we nursed sore throats and pounding heads, we went through our own post-match recovery, albeit a far cry from what the players faced.
We spent our downtime soaking up the scorching sun on the shores of Lake Zurich, explore various cities, and finding any excuse to try a new bar or restaurant.
Before we knew it, we were in St Gallen.
Before the team stepped foot onto the pitch, history had already been made. With changes to the starting XI and Safia Middleton-Patel between the posts, she became the first player of South-Asian heritage to play at the Euros. What an unbelievable achievement and a moment to be celebrate.
The build-up to the head to head with France was intense. We knew we needed something special. We couldn’t walk away from this competition goalless.
If there was anyone who could dig deep and deliver, it was always going to be Jess Fishlock.
At 38, a true veteran, she became the oldest goal scorer in Euros history, and more importantly, she gave us our first-ever goal at a major tournament.
But as always, nothing is every that simple. The Red Wall collectively held their breath, waiting for the VAR decision. In that moment, those 60 seconds felt like hours. Time stood still.
That was until the whistle blew and the goal was ruled onside.
The Red Wall erupted in a way I’ve never seen before. Once again, I was overcome with emotion. Tears streamed down my face. Life felt like a dream. I couldn’t believe, and still can’t believe. I witnessed history. I saw THAT goal. A goal that will be talked about for generations to come. No feeling quite compares.
Jess Fishlock once again proved why she’s a legend of the game. That goal was for every player that came before her, and every player who will follow in her footsteps.
For us. For them. For her.
The final score was 4-1 to France, but that goal? It was a win in itself.
We once again took advantage of our free time, this time heading halfway up Mount Pilatus, freeing our inner child and enjoying the toboggan. It was impossible to travel 900 miles and not make the most of the picture perfect views.
In the blink of an eye, we returned to St Gallen, this time to face our biggest rivals yet: England.
The roar. The atmosphere. Bigger, bolder, louder than before. A true England v Wales head-to-head.
Going into this game, it felt like it could either way. With it all still to play for, the pressure was on for both teams.
England delivered a masterclass. And although we lost 6-1, Hannah Cain’s rocket into the top corner was a statement. It was a moment for the fans. A moment where fans and players felt like one. A reminder that we belong here. We deserve to be here as much as our competitors.
While I was of course rooting for Wales with my whole heart, I can’t help but feel quietly happy for England. It’s controversial to say as a passionate Welsh woman, especially when we’re competing against England, however the impact of the Lionesses’ success in 2022 has had an undeniable influence on the growth of women’s football in Wales, and I can only hope that we continue to see the power of this change this year.
To be going home is heartbreaking, but it’s been an unforgettable 10 days following this team. I’ve created memories that will last a lifetime, shared unforgettable moments with friends from all corners of the world, and watched strangers become something more. I even stumbled across a past generation of Welsh players who coincidentally grew up just miles outside my hometown in North Wales. This is what it’s about. The power of conversation. The sense of community. Of belonging to something bigger. This is Wales. And as I sit in Zurich Airport, reflecting on my time in Switzerland, I can’t help but feel every emotion all over again, beaming with pride once more.
So, with Wales’ time at the Euros drawing to a close, what does this mean for their future?
Some may look at Wales’ results on paper and think their time at the Euros was wasted. However, I would say it’s quite the opposite. Three defeats, yes. But two historic goals, thousands of travelling fans, and a nation that stood tall. Once again, Wales have proven that they deserve to be among the top nations. They played with a passion and fuel.
This tournament wasn’t about results; it was about showing that Welsh women’s football is ready to rise. The players are ready, the fans are ready, and we’re only getting started.
Let this be a reminder, that despite everything, Wales are ‘Yma o Hyd’.
