Bio
Gamechanger...
One of the brightest young talents in the English game, the England striker had earned plaudits for her impressive displays in the 2019/20 campaign, in which she hit the headlines with nine goals in 12 appearances - several of those long-range Goal of the Season contenders.
Starting her career with Arsenal, Kelly made her debut for the Gunners in July 2015 against Watford in the Continental Cup – scoring inside 22 minutes – and went on to sign her first professional contract at Meadow Park in February of the following year.
That summer, she joined Everton on loan and impressed during her initial spell on Merseyside before linking up with the club for a second temporary spell in July 2017 following the Blue Girls’ promotion to the top tier of the women’s game. Just six months later, she agreed terms on a permanent deal with the Club.
On the international scene, Kelly started her foray into England’s set-up with the Lionesses’ Under-15s and rose up through the ranks, helping the Under-20s to a third place finish at the 2018 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, alongside City starlets Ellie Roebuck, Lauren Hemp and Esme Morgan.
In November 2018, she was handed her debut for the senior team in a 3-0 friendly win over Austria.
Kelly moved to the Academy Stadium from Everton in the summer of 2020 and enjoyed a highly successful debut season, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances and helping City win the delayed 2019/20 Women’s FA Cup before an ACL injury brought an unfortunate and premature end to her maiden campaign.
City supporters voted her Player of the Season at the end of 2020/21, whilst she was also included in the PFA’s Team of the Year and also scooped the Women’s Player of the Year accolade at the North West Football Awards in November.
She penned a new three-year contract in February 2022, committing her future to the Club with a deal that runs to the summer of 2025.
In the summer of 2022, Kelly grabbed the game’s winning goal as England beat Germany 2-1 in the European Championship final, their first major honour since 1966.
She has continued to be a pivotal figure in City’s team with her speed and determination helping inspire the team during tough games.
Kelly totalled 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists.
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