The Lionesses celebrated their record-breaking Euros victory with a triumphant open-top bus parade through central London on Monday, attended by 65,000 fans. The team, fresh from their 1-0 win over Spain in the final in Switzerland, partied through the night before returning home to a hero's welcome.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman's dream came true when she performed a duet with Afrobeat singer Burna Boy on stage outside Buckingham Palace. The players danced along, sang 'Proud' with Heather Small, and raised the trophy amid flares. Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning penalty, led the celebrations, dancing at the front of the bus.
During a live interview with Alex Scott, Kelly accidentally swore, saying, "It's so f***king special." She later apologised on X, writing, "Ooops. Emotions got the better of me. Sorry for the F bomb." Captain Leah Williamson said, "I've been crying all the way down The Mall. This is one of the best things we've ever been a part of."
Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who saved two penalties in the final, encouraged fans to "follow that smile," despite being told as a child she should not play due to an eye condition. Young player of the tournament Michelle Agyemang called the experience "surreal."
The parade featured performances by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, playing hits like 'Three Lions' and 'Sweet Caroline'. The biggest cheer came when Williamson lifted the trophy as red and white smoke filled the air.
