Michelle Agyemang in England spotlight before UEFA Euro 2025 final

Michelle Agyemang in England spotlight before UEFA Euro 2025 final

Michelle Agyemang, who had her hands covering her eyes when she fell to the ground, was overcome by the situation. The 19-year-old, whose surname appropriately describes the “savior of the nation,” rose when it was most needed in England.

After her 96th-minute equalizing goal against Italy lifted the Lionesses from the brink of defeat, a little-known teenage player who had just been released just weeks ago, her name still rings in the hearts of all England football fans.

Although Chloe Kelly’s extra-time winner earned her acclaim, Agyemang held her attention, displaying a composure that belied her age, in a brave act.

Agyemang scored a stunning double-nutmeg goal in Tuesday’s victory over Italy, which was her second goal in five days after coming off the bench to score a late equalizer in their quarterfinal victory over Sweden.

“Big Mich at it once more” Kelly told ITV Sport. She is “an incredible player with incredible skill and incredible talent.” A promising future for a young player. I’m utterly enthralled by her.

Agyemang, an English fan’s favorite, has sprang up in thousands of fans in the stands at Stade de Geneve and the Wembley Boxpark since Euro 2025, when everything seemed to be lost. The striker is a must-watch on television as she blazes forward with a combination of power, poise, and unselfish play while her black braids trail behind her blistering runs on the pitch.

Ellen White, England’s Euro 2022 champion, said, “She plays beyond her years.” With only a few minutes to go, she turned England’s history on its head and helped them reach yet another final.

Agyemang has given the Lionesses a new scoring dimension with three goals in four international appearances.

A star is born.

Agyemang, who is of Ghanaian descent, was chosen for England’s wild card squad and played a key role in the reigning champions’ advance to Sunday’s final against Spain in Basel.

Despite only playing one international game for the Lionesses and becoming the youngest member of the squad, she was given a call-up for the European Championships. It’s difficult to believe Agyemang only made her international debut three months ago as she watched her pass through the defense and finish the tournament with such poise at Euro 2025.

In one of Sarina Wiegman’s first games as national coach, she threw the football to some of England’s current superstars as a ball girl on the sidelines at the famous Wembley Stadium in London as late as 2021.

“Four years ago, I was a kid, playing with some of these girls, but now I’m here.” Agyemang expressed his gratitude for the great opportunity, and he is so happy he is here.

I’m so blessed to be here, and more than I could have hoped, to be doing this at this level and supporting this team.

Agyemang’s poise on the biggest stage was admirable but not unexpected.

The 1.69-meter (5ft-6.5in) forward made her international debut in April, volleying a stunning volley just 41 seconds after being substituted, giving Wiegman a first glimpse of her incredible talent.

Wiegman recalls that “I already said that she brings something special with the squad announcement.” She is only 19 when she matures a lot. She is completely aware of what she needs to do. She has a very promising future if she continues in this manner.

England's Michelle Agyemang listens to head coach Sarina Wiegman before entering the pitch during the Euro 2025, group D, soccer match between France and England at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The youngest player in England’s Euro 2025 squad, Agyemang, #17, has been used as a super-sub by coach Sarina Wiegman during the competition. [Martin Meissner/AP Photo]

“Crazy season”

Agyemang, who was born in Essex to a family of Manchester United, Chelsea, and West Ham United supporters, has spent his entire life at Arsenal and has since joined the North London club’s academy.

Agyemang made her senior debut for the Gunners at the age of 16 before being loaned to second-tier Watford for the 2023-24 season. In 2022, Agyemang gained some first-team experience.

She signed with Brighton & Hove Albion on loan in the top-tier Women’s Super League (WSL) in September 2024 after scoring five goals in ten appearances for Watford, earning her first professional contract with Arsenal.

Agyemang was named the Women’s Young Player of the Season, a nod to the potential explosion, despite only having three goals and making as many starts.

Agyemang had no idea how excited she was to learn that Wiegman would soon be contacted by her parent club Arsenal, the second-largest female football competition on the planet, to discuss Euro 2025, which was held on May 24 in Lisbon.

Who was she the first to tell? Her father, who exuded pride and disbelief around the house.

“It’s been a crazy season for me to be on loan and then to be called in such a late season. However, Agyemang said, “Everything happens for a reason.”

“They have really taken me into and I’m so grateful,” I said, “but it’s easy to come here and not really be connected to a team because of the short amount of time.”

Michelle Agyemang in action.
In England, Agyemang’s sensational 96th-minute equalizer against Italy in the Euro 2025 semifinal made her a household name.

Source: Aljazeera

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