Just four years after serving as a ball girl at a Lionesses match at Wembley, 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang is now at the heart of the action, scoring decisive goals to keep England’s Euro 2025 dreams alive.
Her dramatic interventions have become a hallmark of the tournament. In the quarter-final against Sweden, Agyemang’s 81st-minute goal forced the match into extra time, leading to a victorious penalty shootout. She delivered again in the semi-final, coming on as a late substitute to rescue her team from a 1-0 deficit against Italy with a 96th-minute equalizer that once more pushed the game to extra time.
The Arsenal forward’s impact was foreshadowed in England’s opening match against France, where a dynamic four-minute cameo almost led to an unlikely comeback. During that brief spell, she registered five touches in the opposition box, more than any other player on her team.
This success marks a significant journey for Agyemang, whose first close encounter with the senior squad was as a ball girl during a 2021 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland—manager Sarina Wiegman’s third game in charge.
“Seeing the girls so close to my face… Beth Mead got a hat-trick that day, so to be a part of that experience was invaluable and I’ll never forget it,” Agyemang said.
While Wiegman is aware of the young star’s evolution, Agyemang is now known to her teammates as the quiet, unassuming teenager who comes alive on the pitch.
Reflecting on her pivotal role, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “It means the world to me to finally be here. I don’t think I would have expected that maybe a year ago, but everything happens for a reason. To step on the pitch, even just to wear the kit, is a great privilege for me and I enjoy every single second of it.”
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