Ella Toone mourns grandmother’s death on day of Euro 2025 final

England midfielder Ella Toone has revealed she played the Euro 2025 final just hours after learning of her grandmother’s death, Sport360NG reports.

The 25-year-old Manchester United star was in the starting lineup as the Lionesses edged past Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout in Basel to retain their European title.

In an emotional Instagram post shared on Thursday, Toone paid tribute to her late grandmother, affectionately known as “Nana Maz,” describing her as “football loving, crazy, funny.”

“Even in the highest of highs, life can hit you with the lowest of lows,” Toone wrote. “I have comfort in knowing she got to watch from the best seat in the house with Dad, her favourite person.”

Toone’s father, Nick, passed away in September last year, shortly before what would have been his 60th birthday. He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after Toone scored in England’s Euro 2022 final win over Germany at Wembley.

Reflecting on her grandmother’s unwavering belief in her, Toone recalled a touching family memory. “All those years ago when you put a bet on at the bookies that I would play for England one day—and on the day you leave us, we bring it home again. You always knew it.”

Toone admitted she struggled with grief following her father’s death, revealing she only began to process the loss during a spell out injured. “I lost my love for the game,” she added.

Despite personal heartbreak, Toone delivered a strong tournament in Switzerland, featuring in all six matches and scoring in group-stage victories over the Netherlands and Wales. She played 87 minutes in the final before being substituted for Beth Mead.

England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was also dealing with personal loss, having lost her grandfather just two days before the final. Hampton went on to save two penalties in the shootout, playing a crucial role in England’s title defence.