Women's Euros: History, heroes and highlights

BBC News

7 hours ago

Excitement is building as the countdown to Uefa Women's Euro 2025 continues. Stars will rise, legends will return, and fans will once again witness the magic of international women's football.Taking place in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July 2025, this will be the first time the Swiss have hosted the competition – so get ready for thrilling matches, passionate supporters, and plenty of unforgettable moments.Sixteen of Europe's top national teams will compete across eight cities, from Zurich to Geneva, all hoping to lift the trophy. As we look ahead to the big event, let's take a closer look at some of the most fascinating facts from past tournaments – from record goal-scorers to dramatic comebacks.
Who has won the most Women's Euro titles?
When it comes to dominance in the Women's Euros, Germany have been the team to beat. They have won the tournament a record eight times, more than any other country. Their success, especially during the 1990s and 2000s, helped raise the profile of women's football across Europe.However, England, now one of the world's best sides, are looking to dent Germany's dominance. They beat the record winners in the final of the competition in 2022 and the Lionesses are the current tournament holders.
Who is the top scorer in Women's Euro history?
The all-time leading scorer in the Women's Euros is Inka Grings and Birgit Prinz of Germany. Grings scored 10 goals across the 2005 and 2009 tournaments, including two in the 2009 final. Prinz's 10 goals were scored across five tournaments from 1995 to 2009. Not far behind is England's Beth Mead, who scored six goals during the 2022 tournament and was awarded the Golden Boot. She was a key player in England's winning campaign and a strong scoring tournament in 2025 could see her claim the record.
Who are the oldest and youngest players to ever take part?
The oldest player ever to appear in a Uefa Women's Euro match is Sandrine Soubeyrand of France. She was 39 years and 340 days old when she played against Denmark during the 2022 tournament.In the same tournament, Julie Nelson made history for Northern Ireland by becoming the oldest goalscorer in Women's Euros history. She was 37 years and 33 days old when she found the net against Norway – a proud moment for both her and her country.If Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock scores in this tournament, she could take the record of oldest goal scorer at 38 years old. At the other end of the age scale, Oksana Yakovyshyn of Ukraine became the youngest-ever player in the tournament's history during Euro 2009, stepping on to the pitch against the Netherlands at just 16 years and 156 days old.Meanwhile, the record for the youngest goalscorer belongs to Isabell Herlovsen of Norway. She scored against France in Euro 2005 at the age of 16 years and 351 days.
Who has played the most matches for England or Wales?
Out of the current Lioness squad, the most capped player is Lucy Bronze, with 133 appearances for the England women's national football team.The Chelsea wing-back is thought to be one of the best female players in the world. Wales have qualified for their first major tournament, meaning their most experienced player Jess Fishlock will be able to play in a Euros for the first time. Jess' career has seen her play all over the world, and she's also used her experience to coach teams too.She has played more than 160 times for her country and was given a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award in 2018 for services to women's football and the LGBT community.
Most memorable matches
One match stands above all for England fans: the 2022 Uefa Women's Euro Final. Played at Wembley Stadium in front of a record-breaking 90,000 fans, England defeated Germany 2–1 after extra time.Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal and her famous celebration has gone down in footballing history. It was England's first major women's tournament win, and it inspired a new generation of players and supporters.As for Wales, there are new tournament memories to be made as they appear in their very first major women's tournament in Switzerland this summer.
Highest-scoring games
The most goals ever scored in a single Women's Euro match happened in 2022, when England beat Norway 8–0 in the group stage. It was the biggest win in tournament history – and showed the Lionesses' attacking power.Beth Mead scored a hat-trick, and five different players got on the scoresheet in a truly dazzling performance.
Biggest comebacks
There have been several dramatic turnarounds in Women's Euro history, but England's quarter-final against Spain in 2022 stands out. After going 1–0 down, England equalised late in the match and then scored the winner in extra time to win 2–1.Another memorable comeback was in 2017, when Denmark shocked Germany in the quarter-finals, after trailing 1-0, they won the game 2-1.In 2009 England pulled off another stunning come back, 2-0 down against Russia after 23 minutes, the team came back to win the match 3-2. Amazingly all five goals were scored in the first half and Kelly Smith's 42nd minute winner was a strike from almost the half way line.