Chloe Kelly has spoken out about her "really good headspace" following a mental health battle as the footballer said she will be “eternally grateful" for her BBC Sport Personality of the Year nomination.
The 27-year-old was restricted to bench duty at Manchester City and has since revealed she was suffering from severe mental health issues, which led to an alopecia diagnosis last year.
She began 2025 fearing for her place in the Lionesses squad after falling out of favour at her previous club, City.
But since returning to the club she made her professional debut, Arsenal, in January, Kelly’s fortunes were transformed, with a Champions League win with the Gunners in May, followed by the Lionesses’ successful defence of their European Championship crown.
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The England forward described 2025 as "a year of learning, smiles and silverware".
Kelly said: "It’s been a year of learnings, a year of success and a year of smiles I think for me, on and off the pitch. Finding happiness and feeling in a really good headspace.
"For me, coming away with a Champions League medal and then going into the Euros, which was the aim for me at the start of the year.
"I didn’t aim to win the Champions League at the start of the year, my aim was to be at the Euros and be competing with my country."
Chloe Kelly has spoken out about her 'really good headspace'
|GETTY
She added: "It was never my aim to win the Champions League last season after how it started. So I think winning the Champions League was an incredible moment for me, and one I’m so grateful for.
"But being selected for the Euros was so special to me and then winning it – incredible moments for my country.
"Just putting on the shirt is a huge honour, and to be alongside so many great women in playing for your country is a massive honour. So for sure, 2025 is a year of learnings, smiles and silverware."
Kelly played a key role in the success of both Arsenal and England last season.
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Chloe Kelly was sensational for England back in the summer | ReutersShe made headlines when she scored an extra-time winner for the Lionesses in the Euro 2025 semi-finals against Italy and her winning penalty in the shoot-out victory over Spain in the final.
The Lioness was nominated alongside England team-mate Hannah Hampton for Thursday’s BBC SPOTY award.
Women’s Rugby World Cup-winner Ellie Kildunne, world darts champion Luke Littler, Masters winner Rory McIlroy and Formula One world champion Lando Norris are also nominees.
Kelly could end 2025 with another trophy.
Chloe Kelly left Manchester City after a dark spell at the club | GETTYShe said: "I’m very grateful.
"I always say I play the sport that I love and I’m very grateful, this season, to be in two successful teams that have won silverware, club and country.
"I’m very grateful for the position I’m in, and to be nominated alongside incredible sportsmen and women, I’m eternally grateful.
"It’s such a prestigious award to be nominated for alongside such incredible talent."
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