Latest news with #UEFAWomen'sEuro2025
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Topps Launch New Collection Of 308 Stickers For UEFA Women's Euro 2025
COLOGNE, GERMANY - JUNE 15: Detailed view of the Topps and Euro 2024 logo during the UEFA EURO 2024 ... More group stage match between Hungary and Switzerland at Cologne Stadium on June 15, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) England legend Jill Scott has been revealed as a brand ambassador for the new official sticker collection of UEFA Women's Euro 2025, created for the first time by Topps. In her role as Topps ambassador, Scott, a winner with England at the previous UEFA Women's Euro in 2022, appeared at the Fanatics Collectibles store in Regent Street, London, to officially launch the collection, which is now available to buy across the United Kingdom. Founded in 1938, Topps made their name in tbe 1950s by placing baseball cards, featuring player statistics, in packs of chewing gum which fans were encouraged to trade. They entered the United Kingdom market in the 1970s but due to the popularity of stickers in Europe, they released sticker collections for the Premier League under their Merlin brand. In 2021, the Topps brand was acquired by Fanatics, a global digital platform with a database of over 100 million sports fans. Through the platform, supporters can purchase a wide range of sportswear, equipment and memorabilia. LONDON: Jill Scott with an official sticker album for UEFA Women's Euro 2025 In content filmed at the Fanatics Collectibles store, Scott filled out her own album sparking memories of collecting stickers herself as a child. She also picked out her dream 5-a-side team including current superstars Keira Walsh, Aitana Bonmatí and Ewa Pajor. The first sticker collection for a women's soccer tournament was created by Italian firm Panini for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Six years later. the first for a UEFA Women's Euro was released in 2017. Jill Scott was an England player whose sticker was featured in both original collections. SOLIHULL, ENGLAND - MAY 31: Volunteers hand out Panini sticker albums during the WSL 1 match ... More between Birmingham City Ladies and Yeovil Town Ladies FC on May 31, 2017 in Solihull, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) In April 2022, ahead of the next Women's Euro, UEFA announced that they had signed a new six-year deal with Topps, ending a forty-two year partnership with Panini who first produced an official sticker album for the men's European Championship back in 1980. The partnership made Topps the new and official licensed partner from 2022 to 2028, providing exclusive stickers, trading cards and collectibles connected to UEFA. 'This is a milestone moment for Topps in our ongoing global expansion as we celebrate our first partnership with Euro in our 70+ year history," said David Leiner, the global general manager of The Topps Company. 'We're thrilled to be the official partner of one of the most esteemed sporting events in the world and we look forward to continuing our mission of bringing collectors and fans of all ages closer to their favorite athletes by providing official stickers, trading cards, collectibles and more, to football fans across the world.' Unfortunately for collectors, the stickers for some countries, like England, France and Germany, will not feature pictures of their players wearing their official national kits. This is because the English, French and German Football Association have their own contracts with Panini, who have launched their own official national team collections in those countries. Nevertheless, the Topps album features 308 stickers - 56 fewer than the official collection for UEFA Women's Euro 2022 - representing each of the 16 competing nations. The England, France and German players are pictured in plain shirts rather than their official national team kit. The campaign will also feature leading names from the women's football world, activating in multiple markets in the run up to the tournament. In addition there will be unique Euro Hotshot, Shining Stars and Euro Legend stickers featuring retired greats like Scott, Alex Popp and Birgit Prinz. 'What interested me in becoming a brand ambassador for Topps and the collection is seeing what they've created in the women's sticker album; the quality of it and how much they're putting into the women's game,' said Scott. 'I open the album and am immediately interested by the facts and learning about the players, there are a lot of players in there that I've played with and, having retired, I'm not as in the know with what's going on – so this is educating me as much as the next generation of fan.' Patrick Rausch, Chief Marketing Officer EMEA of Fanatics Collectibles added that 'Topps is synonymous with the biggest players and moments in football, and we're excited to continue that tradition with our new UEFA Women's Euro 2025 sticker collection.' For more information on the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 collection, visit
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Mary Earps' cryptic retirement message, X-rated incident, 'hurtful' England row
Lionesses hero Mary Earps has announced her sudden retirement from international football with just over a month to go before England compete at the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland Mary Earps has made the "difficult" choice to retire from international football, making the announcement just five weeks before the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper mysteriously nodded towards the "many dimensions" surrounding her decision, hinting at the "new" path that the England team is gearing towards. The 32-year-old played a significant role in the Lionesses winning Euro 2022 and finishing runners-up at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. However, the veteran shot-stopper has recently not been selected as regularly for the starting XI, with Chelsea 's Hannah Hampton being preferred at times. Earps has 53 caps for England across an eight-year career, during which she secured the Euros trophy and the 2023 Women's Finalissima cup. She saved a penalty during the Finalissima shootout to help lead England to win the first-ever trophy of its kind in women's football, and was ultimately crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. Regarding her sudden retirement now, though, England head coach Sarina Wiegman said she was "disappointed" by Earps' decision, and admitted that she had hoped the goalkeeper would play an "important role" in the Euros squad this summer. Cryptic retirement message - 'All you have is all you are' Earps' retirement message in full is an homage to the joy and pride she has felt while representing England at multiple international tournaments over the years. However, after her announcement went public, BBC Sport reported that Earps met with manager Wiegman before the camp and told her team-mates of her decision on Monday at St George's Park. It is understood that the squad was disappointed to hear Earps would no longer be at the Euros, as the goalkeeper stepped out of training and has since left the camp. In her post on social media, the shot-stopper said: "I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge and represent my country. I'm a proper sop when it comes to playing for England, anyone who knows me knows that playing at the top of the game is what drives me, and it doesn't get bigger than the international stage. "I wish I could do it forever – but sadly, all good things must come to an end." Earps went on to cryptically allude to the "many dimensions to this decision", highlighting the "new era and a new England team" that she is looking forward to watching from the sidelines this summer. Fans may spot a hint of hurt behind the veteran goalie's words, as she added: "In the end, all you have is who you are - your character. And I know that whilst this won't make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts." Wiegman has since commented on Earps' retirement decision, stating that she is "clear" on why the choice was made. She said: "I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision, and it is something we need to accept. "Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures and the Euros." While it is unclear the exact reason behind the goalkeeper's decision to hang up her international boots at this crucial time, fans continue to speculate about a potential rift in the squad after Earps lost her starting position to Chelsea star Hampton. When discussing Hampton's place in the starting XI, Wiegman said: "I have two world-class goalkeepers. At the moment, [Hampton] is a little bit ahead." Many believe this to be a major influence behind Earps' decision to step back from international football, but neither player nor manager has confirmed or denied these rumours. X-rated incident at 2023 Women's World Cup Despite a 1-0 loss in the Women's World Cup final against Spain in 2023, Earps was England's hero once again as she stopped a Jenni Hermoso penalty in the 70th minute to keep her team in it for the rest of the game. The goalkeeper proved her worth as number one for England at that moment, and was rewarded with the Golden Glove award for the best in her position at the World Cup. However, it was Earps' reaction after the penalty save that caught the eye of fans across the world. After not only saving but holding onto Hermoso's penalty shot, the 'keeper let her emotions flare as she was caught on the big screen yelling, "F*** off", and sticking out her tongue. During the game, fans took to social media to share their joy at Earps' save and subsequent reaction, as one said: "Penalty – but what happened after is Mary Earps finest moment. I could see her confidence and mental toughness, along with the background work off the pitch." Another said: "Gutted for the @ Lionesses but Spain were worthy winners Whatever the result – this team are game-changers and we could all do with a little more Mary Earps in our lives." The goalkeeper's influence on the team was clear to see among her team-mates as they rushed to celebrate her save and continue the pressure on the eventual champions. These moments will be aspects of Earps' game that fans and pundits will miss in future international tournaments, but the PSG star has left memories that are forever etched into England's sporting history. England kit row with Nike – 'Very hurtful' Before the Women's World Cup kicked off, Earps was already involved in a heated row regarding her position in the sport. The England international admitted that Nike's decision not to manufacture her replica shirt the same as her teammates was "very hurtful", and that she had been "fighting behind closed doors" to sort this issue out before the tournament began. In July 2023, Earps expressed her anger at the brand's decision, as she said: "I can't really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try. It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful. "On a personal level, it is obviously hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially – and also I think there has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation over that year." The shot-stopper, who had won the FIFA award for best female goalkeeper that same year, detailed the double standards faced by players in her position, as her fellow team-mates' jerseys were all available for fans to purchase. Earps said: "For my own family and friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they are going to come out and wear normal clothes and I know that sounds like, 'Oh Mary, what a horrible problem,' but on a personal level that is really hard. "So what you are saying is that goalkeeping isn't important but you can be a striker if you want." However, following a petition that garnered over 152,000 signatures and pushback from Earps and many fans, Nike confirmed that they had "secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys to be sold" after the World Cup final in 2023. In an official statement at the time, the brand said: "We've seen and share the unprecedented passion and interest in women's football this year and remain committed to playing our part by offering the best products and services to athletes and fans. We invested more in this year's World Cup than any other global tournament to date. "Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, US, France, and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days, and we are also in conversations with our other federation partners. "We recognise that during the tournament we didn't serve those fans who wished to show their passion and support to the squad's goalkeepers. We are committed to retailing women's goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future." Since then, there have been multiple runs of goalkeeper kits, and Earps shared her relief at Nike's U-turn at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2023. Earps, who won the award that year, said: "It was more fighting for the principle than anything. It's about the message being sent out before being really damaging and now you don't have that. "Representation, visibility, is so important and [now] young girls or adults or whoever wants the shirts can have access to them. "I've had that commitment from Nike that it will never happen again and I'm sure other sports brands will follow suit. OK, we might be complaining there's not enough, but I'd take that complaint over there being absolutely none, any day of the week."
Pembrokeshire Herald
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Urdd Launches New Projects to Celebrate Wales's Women at Euro 2025
Six new projects including a Jambori, a new anthem for the Euros and presence in Switzerland WALES' largest national youth movement, Urdd Gobaith Cymru has announced the details of six new projects to celebrate and support the Cymru women's national football team at the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. The Urdd has received funding through the Welsh Government's Euro 2025 fund to host six projects. The Urdd's campaign will inspire, support, and empower young women and girls to keep active and break down the barriers that prevent them from participating in sport. One of the main projects is the Euros Jambori; a national, virtual singalong event held in partnership with the Football Association of Wales, S4C, Boom Plant and BBC Cymru Wales, giving children across Wales an opportunity to show their support for the women's national team and join in the Euro celebrations. This follows the success of the Urdd's 'Jambori Cwpan y Byd' (Wales's World Cup Singalong) which brought together over 250,000 children to sing and celebrate together in support of the men's team back in 2022. The Euros Anthem will also feature in the Jambori as composer Caryl Parry Jones is tasked with composing a brand-new anthem to support the national football team. The popular band Eden, along with singers Aleighcia Scott and Rose Datta, winner of S4C's Y Llais competition, will also join the Jambori to perform the anthem live. The Gwerin #FelMerch project, in partnership with TwmpDaith project, will enable Urdd members to travel to Switzerland to showcase contemporary folk talent from Wales. Gŵyl Chwaraeon Ewros – the Euros Sports Festival has already taken place at Aberystwyth, and the #FelMerch Campaign Ambassadors will visit Switzerland during the campaign. As a legacy to the Euros, a #FelMerch One-day Conference will be held this autumn, ensuring the Euros legacy and continue the Urdd's aim to empower women and girls through sports. During Eisteddfod yr Urdd, the Urdd's sports area will offer a range of various activities for children throughout the week, focusing on empowering through sports. Golf activities will be held daily to celebrate the AIG Women's Open which is being held at Porthcawl this year – the largest women's sporting event of its kind to be held in Wales. Siân Lewis, the Urdd's Chief Executive said: 'The fact that the Welsh women's team is competing in the UEFA Women's Euro for the first time ever presented us with a fantastic opportunity to deliver new projects that align perfectly with our #FelMerch campaign. We're looking forward to seeing these projects inspire children and young people across Wales, giving them the opportunity to support the team, to feel proud of their Welsh heritage, and to take part in special sporting and arts events in Wales and Switzerland. 'We are very grateful to the Welsh Government for funding all this activity, and to the Football Association of Wales and all our partners for being so willing to working with us. These projects will allow us to reach our goals of Welsh-language community activities throughout Wales that will inspire children and young people to feel part of this special football campaign.' Culture and Sports Minister, Jack Sargeant, said: 'We're taking a collaborative 'Gorau chwarae, cyd chwarae' approach to create a lasting legacy from Cymru Women's historic Euro 2025 qualification. Our £1m fund will use the invaluable expertise of a range of organisations like the Urdd to enhance our tournament presence and build a legacy that will benefit communities long after the final whistle. 'The six new Urdd projects – announced today – will not only boost participation in sport across our communities but will also showcase Wales and our culture on the international stage.' A Football Association of Wales (FAW) spokesperson said: 'The FAW is incredibly excited and proud to see so many organisations and initiatives embracing and celebrating Cymru's first-ever appearance at a women's tournament this summer. 'The Urdd's projects, supported by Welsh Government's EURO 2025 fund, are a powerful example of how football, creativity, and culture can unite to inspire a nation. 'These initiatives will not only ignite support for Cymru during the tournament but also empower girls and women across Wales to get involved in football at every level of the game. Together, we're building a legacy that will inspire the next generation of players, coaches, referees, and fans.'
Fashion Network
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Nike unveils new National Federation women's football kits at London event
Nike has begun celebrating the launch of its 2025 Women's Federation Kits for football with an unveiling event in London featuring eight top female players including Lioness Lucy Bronze (pictured) and Norway's Ada Hegerberg. Ahead of this summer's football season, headlined of course by the 16-nation UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, Nike unveiled the women's primary and secondary kits for England, France, Netherlands, Norway and, additionally, Nigeria. The kits, 'which bring forward the brand's pinnacle standard of performance apparel in striking uniform designs that speak to the tradition, diversity and championship aspirations of each country and its athletes' are made with Nike's material innovation, Dri-Fit Adv, which moves sweat away from the skin for quicker evaporation. Drawing on 'the dynamic movement of the women's game' the US sportswear giant's designers have 'leveraged the latest advanced body-mapping technology, 4D data and state-of-the-art digital design tools to provide precise reinforcement, mobility, breathability and venting'. In creating the kits 'pixel by pixel', the designers used 'overlapping maps with rich data specific to women athletes to guide the placement of mesh and ribbed textures throughout the uniforms — delivering specific performance attributes, such as enhanced stretch or compression'. This approach led to a new side panel 'enabling increased stretch, breathability and movement throughout the athlete's core'. Each kit's federation crest is also made with Lite Flex technology that's intended to 'increase breathability while maintaining a lightweight design'. Meanwhile, the brand's Swooshes and trim on the uniforms are made of 'Nike Grind', a collection of pre-consumer manufacturing scraps, recycled post-consumer shoes and unsellable footwear. Nike's 2025 National Team Kits and collections will be available at and select retail partners in the coming weeks.
Fashion Network
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Nike unveils new National Federation women's football kits at London event
Nike has begun celebrating the launch of its 2025 Women's Federation Kits for football with an unveiling event in London featuring eight top female players including Lioness Lucy Bronze (pictured) and Norway's Ada Hegerberg. Ahead of this summer's football season, headlined of course by the 16-nation UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, Nike unveiled the women's primary and secondary kits for England, France, Netherlands, Norway and, additionally, Nigeria. The kits, 'which bring forward the brand's pinnacle standard of performance apparel in striking uniform designs that speak to the tradition, diversity and championship aspirations of each country and its athletes' are made with Nike's material innovation, Dri-Fit Adv, which moves sweat away from the skin for quicker evaporation. Drawing on 'the dynamic movement of the women's game' the US sportswear giant's designers have 'leveraged the latest advanced body-mapping technology, 4D data and state-of-the-art digital design tools to provide precise reinforcement, mobility, breathability and venting'. In creating the kits 'pixel by pixel', the designers used 'overlapping maps with rich data specific to women athletes to guide the placement of mesh and ribbed textures throughout the uniforms — delivering specific performance attributes, such as enhanced stretch or compression'. This approach led to a new side panel 'enabling increased stretch, breathability and movement throughout the athlete's core'. Each kit's federation crest is also made with Lite Flex technology that's intended to 'increase breathability while maintaining a lightweight design'. Meanwhile, the brand's Swooshes and trim on the uniforms are made of 'Nike Grind', a collection of pre-consumer manufacturing scraps, recycled post-consumer shoes and unsellable footwear. Nike's 2025 National Team Kits and collections will be available at and select retail partners in the coming weeks.
