From last minute goals to historic debuts and iconic penalty drama, the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros had it all. Here’s a look back at some of the tournaments highlights that defined this summer of women’s football.

England Retain Their Crown 

After a nervy tournament, the Lionesses pulled off an iconic win in the Euros final against world champions, Spain, 3-1 on penalties. This victory made the England squad back-to-back European champions, following their previous success in Euro 2022. England winger, Chloe Kelly, has become an icon by once again delivering the winning penalty, echoing her heroics from 2022. Meanwhile, Hannah Hampton, emerged as a standout performer with her exceptional saves in two shootouts. The determination and resilience of the players proved to be the key tactic of the team due to coming from behind on three occasions throughout the tournament.

Wales Make Their Major Tournament Debut

Following years of near misses, Wales qualified for their first major women’s tournament – an unforgettable achievement for the nation. Despite losing all their games and not being able to progress past the group stages, the Euros was still a great opportunity to showcase the players passion and their fans energy, which they brought to the crowds. Welsh veteran midfielder, Jess Fishlock, was finally able to play at the Euros – a fitting reward for her outstanding commitment to the team for two decades. 

Switzerland Shines On Home Soil

Hosts, Switzerland, exceeded fans expectations by reaching the quarterfinals, their best ever finish at a major tournament. Captain, Lia Walti, led a Swiss side that played with fluidity and pride, sparking massive home support and growth for women’s sport. Their duel against Spain in the quarterfinal was a tournament highlight, demonstrating their fight. 

New Stars Rise 

Michelle Agyemang, England’s nineteen year old, scored a critical equalizer against Italy in the semi-finals – and later was named Young Player of the Tournament. She’s not one to be slept on, her future looks bright.

Selma Bacha (France) dazzled fans with her pace and exceptional play making, helping France reach the quarter-finals.

Surprises And Exits

Shockingly, Netherlands failed to get out of the group stage in an unexpected early exit. After winning the tournament in 2017, the team were expected to reach at least the semi-finals but due to being in a difficult group, they failed to progress any further. 

Sweden, one of the pre-tournament favorites, narrowly lost to England in the quarter finals after they topped their group with nine points. Despite not making it any higher in the tournament, the team looked strong and put on a great show of football against England, leaving Lioness fans on edge. 

The Long Lasting Legacy & Impact Of The Tournament

This years Women’s Euros saw record breaking attendances, with the total being more than 657,000 surpassing the record made in 2022 of 574,000. These figures demonstrate the fast growth of the sport and the impact that fans and organizations have had on increasing viewers. 

The tournament also became the most-watched Women’s Euros ever, with a cumulative live audience of over 400 million. Due to an increase in tv channels broadcasting the tournaments matches, stats like this are able to happen and can continue to grow. 

From packed stadiums in Zürich to viral celebrations online, the 2025 Women’s Euros didn’t just crown a champion — it cemented the sport’s place in mainstream culture.