Arsenal forwards Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo were awarded MBEs (Members of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their stellar contributions to football.
From Wembley winners to King’s Birthday Honours, the Lionesses’ prolific strike duo cements their legacy after delivering more clinical performances on the international stage for club and country.
Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo are set to receive MBEs, with the Arsenal Women’s forwards recognised after another major tournament success with England.
Kelly and Russo are among the Lionesses named in the King’s Birthday Honours after England’s latest European Championship triumph. Both played key roles in the final against Spain, with Russo scoring England’s equaliser before Kelly converted the decisive penalty in the shootout.
It adds another landmark to a strong year for two players who are central figures for club and country.
Kelly’s tournament record with England already had a place in history. She scored the winner against Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley, coming off the bench to deliver the goal that gave the Lionesses their first major trophy.
The Spain final gave her another one of those moments. England had already fought their way back into the game through Russo, and when the shootout reached its final pressure point, Kelly stepped up and finished it.
Russo’s part in the final should not get lost in the shootout. Her goal changed the match, bringing England level and giving Sarina Wiegman’s side a way back in after Spain had taken control.
The Arsenal striker has grown into one of England’s most reliable attacking players, and her role at club level has followed a similar path since her move from Manchester United. She is now one of the main forwards in Renee Slegers’ squad, trusted to lead the line and link play in bigger games.
Kelly’s Arsenal connection has a different route. She came through the club earlier in her career, moved on to Everton and Manchester City, then returned to the Gunners. Her return added another direct wide option to the squad, but also a player with proven tournament nerve.
The MBEs recognise their services to football, but they also reflect how visible this England team has become since 2022. The Lionesses have not just won tournaments. They have kept the women’s game high in the public conversation and brought new attention to the players carrying that success.
Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton, Lauren James and Michelle Agyemang are also set to be recognised, giving England another strong presence in the honours list.
Kelly and Russo will now return to Arsenal with another individual honour attached to their England careers. Both have already delivered in major finals, and both remain important to what the Gunners are trying to build domestically and in Europe.
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