‘She’s an inspiration to the youngsters’: the rapid rise of Michelle Agyemang

<p>Lioness has gone from prospect to superstar at Euro 2025 – and she’s got more than just football in her locker</p><p>Four years ago, Michelle Agyemang was a ballgirl at Wembley stadium, witnessing the Lionesses’ rule the pitch in a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/oct/23/england-northern-ireland-womens-world-cup-qualifier-match-report">4-0 victory against Northern Ireland</a>. Now, at just 19 years old, she no longer finds herself retrieving balls that have veered out of play, but is an integral part of the team she once admired from the sidelines.</p><p>The forward, who football fans hope will be showing off her on-pitch magic on Sunday as the Lionesses’ face off against Spain in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/women-s-euro-2025">Euros 2025</a> final, began her journey to the top of the sport in her Essex home town of South Ockendon.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/26/rise-of-michelle-agyemang-lioness-euro-2025">Continue reading...</a>