Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Chloe Kelly, hero of England’s 2025 Euros win, will be honoured with the Freedom of the Borough by Ealing Council after a motion passed in July 2023.
Residents are also calling for a permanent public memorial to the football player; ideas range from a mural in the borough to a monument of the Lioness.
After going to penalties, the Lionesses won the thrilling game on Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, 3-1.
The victory that made her a national hero in 2022 was repeated when 27-year-old Kelly, who was raised in Hanwell and went to Elthorne Park High School, stepped up to calmly slot home the winning kick.
She scored the game-winning goal against Germany in extra time that year, giving England their first major women’s tournament triumph. Kelly was a member of Manchester City at the time. It was revealed earlier this month (2 July 2025) that she has signed a permanent contract with Arsenal.
In 2023, Ealing Council approved a motion to grant Kelly the Freedom of the Borough in honor of her ongoing accomplishments. Councillor Peter Mason, the council leader, made the motion known at a special council meeting on July 11, 2023, saying:
“I move formally that Chloe Kelly be awarded the freedom of the borough and reserve everybody’s right to speak at a celebration event in the not too distant future.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said:
“We are so proud of Hanwell born and bred Chloe Kelly, as well as the rest of the women’s England team for bringing football home again. Chloe is an inspiration to everyone across the borough playing sport, and alongside her Freedom of the Borough award, we are looking at the most appropriate ways to honour her.”
They added:
“We are currently working on a public art plan for the borough, which goes out to consultation later this year, and we are keen that this plan includes the celebration of local heroes, like Chloe Kelly, and identifies spaces in our towns for these.”
What impact has Chloe Kelly had on the local Ealing community beyond her football achievements?
Growing up in Hanwell, a part of Ealing, Kelly’s journey from playing football in local street “cages” and youth teams to becoming a national star has inspired many young people, especially girls, in her community to pursue football and sports.
Her success is seen as proof that local talent can reach the highest levels, motivating others to follow their dreams.
Kelly is considered a hometown hero in Ealing, where her accomplishments have brought a strong sense of pride and visibility to the area. Her ties to the community were highlighted by her fondness for Wembley Stadium being close to home and by her background of growing up playing street football locally.