Chloe Kelly has made her mark on and off the pitch. Her legendary penalty at the 2025 Women’s Euros has now been immortalised in EA Sports FC26.
The Arsenal forward’s game-winning strike, which sealed England’s victory over Spain in the final, can now be replicated by players in the popular football video game. Kelly, no stranger to historic moments, once again delivered under pressure — echoing her heroics from 2022, when she scored the extra-time winner that secured the Lionesses’ first major trophy at Wembley.
Known for her composure in big moments, she stepped up and converted the decisive penalty to secure England’s second consecutive European Championship title.The forward’s knack for delivering on the biggest stages has become a hallmark of her career — from netting the winner in the 2023 Women’s Finalissima to a thunderbolt in the 2023 World Cup.
Sharing a screenshot on social media, Kelly showcased her signature run-up, now available in-game for fans to master.
In EA Sports FC 26, players can recreate Kelly’s unique pre-kick movements — the hop, the spin, and the lifted knee — adding a new layer of realism to penalty situations and letting gamers relive the drama of that unforgettable Euro final.According to ESPN, the goal was the fastest of the tournament, clocking at 110km/h, beating any effort in the Premier League last season: Alexander Isak’s 109 km/h goal for Newcastle against Liverpool, as reported by TNT Sports.
Kelly’s penalty not only showcased blistering pace but also pinpoint accuracy, hallmarks of her composure under pressure. Her penalty technique has become something of a legend. The routine dates back to her time at Everton, where she used to spin the ball, perform a hop, and lift her knee before striking. These movements have since become her trademark, a comfort method that helps her maintain focus and confidence. Kelly said:
“It’s something that just works for me. I can’t explain it too much. I actually spoke with one of the coaches the other day about it. It’s just my routine that works for me. I take my time, I take my breath, and I’m confident in that. Taking a penalty normally would probably feel a bit weird to me. It’s just my routine. Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score, but I was adamant I was not missing two on the bounce.”
What It Means To The Women’s Game
Kelly’s contribution to England’s Euro 2025 victory adds to her legacy, following her match-winning goal in the 2022 final. Her inclusion reflects a growing trend of representing women’s football authentically in video games, giving young players and fans a chance to celebrate the achievements of female athletes.
Women’s football was recently added to Football Manager, allowing players to manage squads with officially licensed leagues and players from around the world. Players can also choose to manage squads, create careers, and even move between managing men’s and women’s teams within the same save file. The studio announced its plan to add women’s football in 2021, aiming to adapt to the unique rules and landscape of the women’s game.
Women’s domestic football made its debut in EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) with the Barclays Women’s Super League and the Arkema Première Ligue in FIFA 23, released in late 2022.While women’s national teams had appeared in earlier FIFA titles (starting with FIFA 16 in 2015), this marked the first inclusion of domestic club leagues — a significant step toward greater inclusivity.
Female players have only featured on regional covers, with Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair alongside Lionel Messi in North America for FIFA 16.Chelsea’s Sam Kerr became the first female player on a global cover, alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé. This marked the first time a female player has appeared on the worldwide cover of the FIFA game, a landmark for women in sports gaming.
Now, with Chloe Kelly’s signature penalty technique joining EA Sports FC 26, that evolution continues.
Chloe Kelly And The Viral Phenomenon
Kelly’s inclusion isn’t just a nod to a single moment of brilliance — it’s a celebration of how far the women’s game has come, on the pitch and in gaming culture.After her penalty win, fans took to social media, sharing clips of themselves performing her trademark hop, spin, and knee lift in real life and in game— proof that her influence stretches far beyond the penalty spot.
A post by She’s A Baller on Instagram garnered 22K likes and 240 comments, highlighting the trend’s popularity and a YouTube Short titled “#pov ‘you ain’t Chloe Kelly’” also humorously captured the challenge.
Kelly herself reposted several fan clips on her Instagram Story, showing appreciation and further fueling the viral phenomenon.
These recreations demonstrate the cultural impact of Kelly’s signature move. Her inclusion in EA Sports FC 26 not only cements her status as a trailblazer but also highlights the growing influence of women’s football in digital culture, inspiring a new generation to emulate her confidence, creativity, and composure under pressure.
The Future of Gaming in Women’s Football
Chloe Kelly’s inclusion in EA Sports FC 26 marks the beginning of a new era for women’s football in video games.
Major titles such as EA Sports FC 26 and Football Manager have increased visibility for the sport, driving fan engagement while accelerating commercial interest and sponsorship opportunities. This growth is expanding the gaming and esports landscape for women’s football, creating new revenue streams and fostering a more inclusive environment.
Brands are partnering with women’s football to support development, align with progressive values, and reach new audiences. Women’s sports now appeal to both a traditionally underrepresented female audience and a growing number of male fans who appreciate compelling narratives and high-level competition.
The involvement of leading players such as Alexia Putellas in EA Sports FC underscores the industry’s commitment to raising the profile of women’s football.
Meanwhile, the addition of grassroots teams and leagues in Football Manager 26 gives amateur players a platform to gain recognition alongside global stars.Fan engagement, exemplified by Kelly’s viral penalty run-up recreations, demonstrates the cultural potential of these in-game additions.
Moments like her decisive penalty show that women’s football can inspire not only players but entire digital communities, bridging real-life achievement with interactive entertainment.
As developers continue to invest in authenticity and inclusivity, the future promises a gaming landscape where women’s football is represented with the same depth, attention, and excitement as the men’s game, ensuring that stars like Chloe Kelly continue to inspire both on the pitch and on the screen.
https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1949809608450539602
https://talksport.com/football/3418661/chloe-kelly-penalty-technique-england-lionesses-euro-2025
youtube.com/watch?time_continue=142&v=zjJ39Hd-O-I&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fw
