On July 29, 2025, the Lionesses returned triumphantly to London after retaining their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title with a dramatic win over Spain in the final. Tens of thousands of fans gathered along The Mall, cheering their heroes in what was England’s first major international trophy won on foreign soil, and the first time an England senior side defended a title successfully.
Hosted by Alex Scott, the ceremony outside Buckingham Palace featured emotional speeches from captain Leah Williamson, who admitted to “crying all down The Mall,” and standout players like Chloe Kelly, Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, and Michelle Agyemang. The mood was heartfelt and celebratory, marking a major moment for women’s football in the UK.
The highlight came when Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy made a surprise appearance on stage, personally invited to honour head coach Sarina Wiegman, who has publicly cited him as her favourite artist. Introduced by Alex Scott, Burna Boy performed his collaboration with Ed Sheeran, “For My Hand”, which Wiegman has identified as her most-played track in recent years.
The usually composed Wiegman was visibly thrilled, shouting “Oh no way,” hugging the artist, and finally dancing and singing along on stage for the very first time at a trophy parade, a notable contrast to her reserved demeanor in 2022. Her candid enthusiasm (“I was very flabbergasted… let’s have a little dance”) resonated deeply with fans and players alike.
The moment encapsulated the joyous spirit of the day, celebration, astonishment, personal connection. Burna Boy’s performance and Wiegman’s spontaneous participation enriched what was already a landmark event for England. More than a sports parade, it underscored a shift toward emotional openness and connection between the Lionesses and their supporters. Fans and media alike hailed it as a defining image of the summer, coach meets artist, football meets music, tradition meets spontaneity.
England became the first senior team, men or women, to win back-to-back Euros and to lift a major trophy abroad. The parade drew over 65,000 supporters, illustrating women’s football’s growing cultural force. The event included pledges for improved facilities and programming to support future growth. Chloe Kelly’s candid expletive and apology, Jess Carter’s absence due to club commitments, and tributes to past players like Kerry Davis added to the narrative of continuity and progress.
What Burna Boy’s surprise appearance did was humanise the moment, showing that beneath tactical brilliance and trophy success lies genuine emotion, fandom, and shared joy. Wiegman’s unguarded joy and the team’s open-hearted celebration offered fans a rare glimpse of vulnerability and authenticity, and cemented the Lionesses not just as champions, but as icons of modern sport.
