Ella Toone, a pivotal figure for the Lionesses, recently shared a deeply poignant revelation regarding her personal journey during England’s triumphant Euro 2025 campaign, disclosing that her beloved grandmother passed away on the very morning of the final match. This emotional disclosure adds another layer to the historic victory, highlighting the immense personal sacrifices and resilience often unseen by the public eye in the world of women’s football.
Despite the profound personal loss, Toone demonstrated remarkable composure and dedication on the pitch in Basel, playing a crucial 87 minutes as England secured back-to-back European titles. Her performance, a testament to her unwavering commitment, was key in achieving the 1-1 draw in regular time before England ultimately triumphed through penalties, cementing their place in Euro 2025 Final history.
The revelation came through a heartfelt Instagram post, where the Lionesses star paid a touching tribute to her “Nana Maz,” just four days after lifting her second European trophy. This public sharing of grief and triumph underscored the deep emotional connection Toone had with her grandmother, revealing the private burden she carried during such a high-stakes moment in her career.
“My Nana Maz took her last breath on the morning of our Euro final,” Toone wrote, expressing comfort in the belief that her grandmother watched from “the best seat in the house with Dad, her favourite person.” This deeply personal sentiment painted a vivid picture of the support system that shaped her career and the belief her grandmother had in her journey to play for England.
Toone further reflected on her grandmother’s foresight, recalling, “All those years ago when you put a bet on at the bookies that I would play for England one day and on the day you leave us we bring it home again.” This powerful statement linked the personal tragedy directly to the team’s success, creating an emotional tribute that resonated deeply with fans and the wider football news community.
Her emotional state was visibly evident at full-time after the final victory on Sunday, where she was seen breaking down in tears on the pitch. This raw display of emotion, though initially perceived solely as joy for the victory, now carries the additional weight of her personal grief, making her celebration a complex mix of elation and sorrow.
Toone’s experience is not isolated within the team; goalkeeper Hannah Hampton also faced a significant personal loss, with her grandfather passing away just two days before the start of the European championship. Such shared narratives highlight the profound personal challenges faced by athletes, often while performing at the pinnacle of their sport.
In another poignant gesture, Toone shared an image of an empty seat next to her family at St. Jakob-Park, commenting, “Spare seat next to my mum tonight. If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.” This symbolic act reinforced the spiritual presence of her grandmother, turning a moment of sporting glory into a deeply personal memorial. This story adds another layer to Ella Toone’s remarkable character.
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