We Thought There Might Not Be Enough People – 65,000 Fans Celebrate the Lionesses Parade
The Lionesses had doubts about whether their Euro 2025 victory parade would draw a large crowd, but those fears were quickly put to rest. A staggering 65,000 fans packed the streets of London to celebrate England’s back-to-back European Championship triumph, proving just how far women’s football has come. The outpouring of support even included a special appearance from members of the Royal Family, capping off an already unforgettable day.
A Historic Parade for the Lionesses
After securing a dramatic victory over Spain in the final, the Lionesses embarked on an open-top bus parade along The Mall, a route traditionally reserved for national celebrations. Fans lined the streets, waving flags and chanting, before gathering near the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. There, players were greeted with thunderous applause and took part in interviews led by former Lioness Alex Scott.
Captain Leah Williamson, visibly emotional, said:
I’ve been crying all the way down The Mall. This is unbelievable—probably one of the best things we’ve ever been a part of.
The Arsenal defender added:
We’re making history every single step. Stay with us, this story is not done yet.
Meanwhile, Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning goal in the 2022 final and netted the decisive penalty this year, downplayed the pressure, saying:
Pressure? What pressure?
The Manchester City forward reflected on the team’s journey and the unwavering support from fans:
Standing side by side with every single one of these girls, and the staff behind the scenes—it’s been incredible. We couldn’t have done it without the fans.
A Royal Surprise and Star-Studded Celebration
The parade took another exciting turn when Princess Beatrice of York joined the festivities, along with a surprise guest for head coach Sarina Wiegman—her favorite artist, Burna Boy. The Nigerian superstar performed his hit song For My Hand while Wiegman, known for her composed demeanor, danced and sang along.
Defender Esme Morgan recounted the moment:
Sarina’s got rhythm! She absolutely loves Burna Boy. None of us could believe it—she was busting out some moves and singing away. It was a special moment.
The Lions truly roared on that day, and the players were overwhelmed by the turnout. Morgan admitted that the squad initially worried whether enough fans would attend:
A few of us joked, ‘What if there aren’t enough people?’ But today, the streets were absolutely packed. You don’t realize how many people support us until you see it.
From Doubts to Unforgettable Memories
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association, shared that even the players had questioned whether the public would show up in force.
They kept asking, ‘Do you think people will really come?’ We told them, ‘Of course they will!’ The British public never disappoints, he said.
The celebrations didn’t stop there. After a reception at Downing Street, the team returned to The Mall, where Heather Small performed Proud, the unofficial anthem of the Lionesses’ campaign. The song had played in the dressing room before and after every match, making the live performance a deeply emotional moment.
Niamh Charles, a Chelsea defender, reflected on the whirlwind experience:
I’ve never had a day like this. If my younger self had seen me standing here now, she wouldn’t have believed it. Women’s football has changed so much, and to celebrate like this—it’s unreal.
Her description of the parade painted a vivid picture:
Looking at the crowd, I saw people from every walk of life—young kids, elderly fans, families. The love for the game was everywhere, and we’re so lucky to share this moment with them.
What’s Next for the Lionesses?
With two European titles under their belt, the Lionesses now set their sights on the 2027 Women’s World Cup. After falling short in the 2023 final against Spain, redemption is firmly on their minds. The incredible turnout at the parade sends a powerful message—women’s football is here to stay, and the Lionesses are ready to keep making history.
For now, though, the players can bask in the joy of their triumph, knowing that their success has inspired a generation. As Williamson said—this story is not done yet.
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