Why Arsenal Star Chloe Kelly Says Winning the Champions League Was “Weird”

Why Arsenal Star Chloe Kelly Says Winning the Champions League Was “Weird”

 

 

When Chloe Kelly lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy in Lisbon in May 2025, it should have been the ultimate fairy-tale ending. But for the Arsenal and England forward, the feeling wasn’t as straightforward as pure joy. In her own words, it felt… “weird.”

Kelly’s emotional and candid reflection came just moments after Arsenal defeated FC Barcelona 1–0 in a historic final, securing the club’s first Champions League title since 2007. While her smile lit up the Estádio da Luz, Kelly admitted that the surreal nature of her journey made the moment difficult to process.

> “To be honest, it feels a bit weird,” Kelly told reporters after the final. “Six months ago, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to keep playing. And now I’m a Champions League winner with Arsenal. It’s mad. Amazing — but weird.”

That feeling of strangeness stems from Kelly’s dramatic personal turnaround. Just a few months prior, she had been struggling at Manchester City, fighting for minutes and feeling disconnected from the game she once loved. Speaking to The Independent, she confessed:

> “I was in such a dark place. I didn’t feel valued, I wasn’t enjoying football, and I was seriously thinking about taking a break.

The January transfer window brought an unexpected lifeline: a loan move to Arsenal. At first, it was seen as a temporary fix — but it quickly became much more. Reinvigorated under Jonas Eidevall’s management, Kelly found form, confidence, and joy once again.

Her role in Arsenal’s European campaign grew with each round. By the time the final arrived, Kelly had become a key figure in the squad — starting the match and playing a vital role before being substituted in the second half. Her energy and experience helped Arsenal keep Barcelona at bay, with Frida Maanum scoring the decisive goal.

Yet even with a medal around her neck and confetti in her hair, Kelly’s reflections remained grounded.

> “It’s not the football part that’s weird — we worked hard, we earned this,” she explained. “It’s the emotional part. To go from nearly walking away to standing on this stage… it just doesn’t feel real. That’s why I say it’s weird.”

The word “weird” wasn’t used negatively — instead, it captured the disbelief and emotional contrast of her journey. For many fans and pundits, Kelly’s return to form was one of the most heartwarming stories of the season, symbolizing resilience, mental strength, and the importance of finding the right environment.

Following the final, Arsenal confirmed they would pursue a permanent deal for Kelly, and she has since signed a three-year contract with the club.

Now, with silverware secured and a fresh chapter beginning, the 27-year-old is embracing the “weirdness” — and using it as fuel.

> “I’ve fallen back in love with football,” she said. “Maybe it’s weird, but I wouldn’t change any of it.

In a season defined by comebacks and unexpected twists, Chloe Kelly’s honesty reminds us that success doesn’t always feel the way we expect — and sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it special.