31-07-2025
People still can't get enough of Chloe Kelly's signature right kick - as her 'hop' goes viral after the Lionesses' win
It was a moment that gripped the nation - and now it seems Brits aren't quite ready to let go of Chloe Kelly 's victorious 'hop' just yet.
The England winger scored the winning penalty against Spain on Sunday to bring home the Euros trophy for a second time in a row - after the star athlete brought the footie home against Germany in 2023.
And while the sight of the player suavely dashing off in celebration is now familiar to most, her technique is unique across both the women's and men's game.
The Lioness typically sets up by spinning the ball before placing it onto the spot.
After stepping back, she begins her run up to the ball with a now iconic jump and a raised left leg, before skipping to the ball and sending it to the back of the net.
Fans are now recreating the historic moment on social media by 'hopping' as they go about their day-to-day tasks, including one from @meliagillespie.
In one video, two girls were seen hopping before doing household chores and regular tasks like taking out the bins, opening the fridge and even hugging their dog.
Hundreds flocked to the comments to praise her artful approach, with one writing 'it's so iconic to have a signature move, more professionals need to do this' while another dubbed it 'her signature gallop!! Love it'.
One person added 'on my way to do my presentation to the board … little gallop hop on stage' which was followed by 'it was the best penalty ever - the skip and destroy technique'.
Even well-known brands joined in on the fun, with Lidl commenting 'going down the Middle of Lidl like' and Oatly writing 'can't open the fridge without the iconic Chloe Kelly shuffle now'.
Pinterest added 'Us opening Pinterest like' and Chicago Town humorously quipped: 'Us down the freezer aisle'.
The Capital Breakfast show hosts also got involved, with the likes of Jordan North, Siân Welby and Chris Stark recreating their own video hopping around the studio.
In another popular video from @panoparker, a man prepares a cup of tea and then sets up the 'hop' for him to turn the kettle on. Elsewhere, the Kensington and Chelsea Council shared one of their own, as did influencer Luke Trotman. One was also posted by the Beamish Museum.
He wrote over the video 'Chloe Kelly making a cup of tea', and Asda replied 'as she absolutely should'.
One user commented 'you should of spun the teabag before putting it in the cup' - referencing the ball spin Kelly does when setting up the ball - to which the creator replied 'always next season'.
Dozens of posts similarly follow suite of beloved fans recreating the moves in everyday situations.
Even well-known brands joined in on the fun, with Lidl commenting 'going down the Middle of Lidl like' and Oatly writing 'can't open the fridge without the iconic Chloe Kelly shuffle now'
Speaking to the BBC, Kelly explained that she first began using the technique as a teenager at Everton, and stressed the importance of having the same routine.
'It's something that just works for me. I can't explain it too much,' Kelly said.
'I actually spoke with one of the coaches the other day about it. It's just my routine that works for me. I take my time, I take my breath, and I'm confident in that.
'Taking a penalty normally would probably feel a bit weird to me. It's just my routine.'
When asked about why she spins the ball before placing it on the spot, Kelly added 'It's just making sure that I am ready, not letting anyone take me off my routine.
'I spin the ball so I feel like it is right and then, when I am ready, there is no amount of time, that's just when I feel that's the perfect one.'
The 27-year-old has now taken 11 penalties during her club and international career, with three of those coming during England's run to the Euro 2025 title.
Kelly has scored eight of those penalties, with one of the misses coming in the semi-final against Italy only for the winger converting the rebound to send England to the final.
The winger declared after the final that she 'was adamant I wasn't missing two on the bounce'.
Yesterday, the Lionesses enjoyed a heroes' welcome on The Mall where they were greeted by a 65,000-strong crowd as they rode buses bearing the slogan '2022 and 2025 European Champions' through central London.
Rapid preparations had been made for the ceremony after Sarina Wiegman's team thumped Spain 3-1 on penalties following a tense and drawn-out 120 minutes of stalemate football in Basel, Switzerland.
The Lionesses turned out in t-shirts that read 'HOME', with the 'H' stylised as a pair of letter 'I's in recognition of their two European titles on the trot, and red scarves bearing the Three Lions and the word 'CHAMPIONS'.
Kerry Davis - the first Black women's footballer to play for England - then brought out the Euro 2025 trophy alongside Jane Oboavwoduo, a 14-year-old forward in the England Under-17s, before the team hoisted it aloft in a flurry of red smoke to the cheers of thousands.
A tearful Leah Williamson told the crowds it had been like a 'fairytale', adding: 'I've been crying all the way down the Mall. It's unbelievable. It's one of the best things we've ever been a part of.'
An ecstatic Kelly let slip a swear word live on air as she was interviewed - after swearing into the camera as she picked up her winners' medal on Sunday.
'It feels so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls and the staff you don't see behind the scenes. It's so f****** special,' she grinned, forcing host and ex-England star Alex Scott to issue an on-air apology.
Leah Williamson pictured holding the Women's Euro 2025 trophy aloft as the Lionesses arrive in The Mall to celebrate their second European title in a row
Kelly had shouted 'f****** come on' into the camera on Sunday after being presented with her medal by Prince William - to the amusement of fans.
The Daily Mail spoke to penalty expert Geir Jordet – Professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and author of Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout about Kelly's technique during the Euros.
Speaking after Kelly's successful penalty in the quarter-final shootout win over Sweden, Professor Jordet highlighted how the winger appeared in control throughout.
'I love how she approaches the spot,' Jordet says. 'The goalkeeper was interacting with the referee, and Chloe just waited outside. When Falk stepped onto the line, that's when Chloe moved in and took 10 seconds to engage with the spot.
'First she examined it with her feet, then brushed the ball on the grass. I don't know the purpose of that, but she took her time. That shows a player in control.
'Then she places the ball carefully, steps up and stands over it to think, "Okay, should I step back? Is the goalkeeper ready?"'
'The referee's whistle goes as she steps back. She doesn't let it distract her.
'When she walked back, you could see her smile. Usually when I see a penalty-taker smile, I think, "This isn't a good sign". Players often pretend they're fine, which means they're focused on appearing calm instead of on the shot itself.
'But that wasn't the case with Kelly's smile. It was a genuine reaction to Falk. She seemed truly relaxed in that moment.
'She finishes her walk back and stands for almost five seconds. The last thing she does before starting her trademark run-up is take a deep breath.
'Then comes the initiation (run-up). I'm not a biomechanic, but I admire the psychological aspect – it's so different and so unique. I don't think I've seen anyone, male or female, do anything like it. The courage to do that under pressure is admirable.
'Finally, the kick. She has a powerful shot to her left, with pace and precision. But this time she angled her foot and turned it to the right. The Swedish goalkeeper went the wrong way.
'No one else in the shootout did that. It looks like she tricked the keeper at the last moment. If that's the case – and it's hard to say for sure – then her technique is exceptional.'
