Quick Read
- Chloe Kelly revealed her struggles with anxiety and alopecia earlier in 2025.
- Her openness left her mother and husband in tears, highlighting the impact on loved ones.
- Kelly forced a loan move to Arsenal, won the Champions League, and helped England retain the Euros.
- She was nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year alongside top athletes.
- Kelly credits role models and family support for overcoming challenges.
Chloe Kelly’s Silent Battles: The Story Behind the Spotlight
On a cold December night in Salford, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards brought together Britain’s sporting elite. As flashbulbs popped and headlines focused on the favorites, one figure stood out—not just for her footballing triumphs, but for the silent struggles she’d overcome. Chloe Kelly, England’s Lionesses forward, arrived in a striking black gown, but it was her personal journey that resonated most deeply with fans and family alike.
Anxiety, Alopecia, and the Weight of Expectation
Earlier in 2025, Kelly’s health battles came to light in an emotional episode of Fearne Cotton’s podcast. For the first time, the public heard how the pressure of leaving Manchester City for Arsenal, combined with negative behaviors from unnamed individuals, led her into a spiral of anxiety and alopecia. “I haven’t listened to the podcast because it feels like you’re reliving everything again,” Kelly confessed to reporters (Mirror). The impact of her openness rippled through her support system—her mother and husband, Scott, were moved to tears.
Kelly described collapsing on her bathroom floor, overwhelmed by a “vicious cycle” of distress. The psychological toll manifested physically: bald patches appeared on her scalp, forcing her to adapt both her hairstyle and her self-perception. “It was tough trying to be prepared for a game, but also trying to hide something that now is a part of me,” she admitted. The pressure to perform on the pitch while navigating visible signs of her struggle added a layer of complexity few fans could see from the stands.
With her mother Jane by her side, Kelly sought medical help—consulting doctors at England and Arsenal and undergoing head injections during the international break. “I needed to do that to feel better and to feel myself not on the pitch but away from the pitch as well,” she shared. Her mother’s words lingered: “I just want my little girl to be happy.” Football, for a time, was secondary to health and happiness.
Redemption at Arsenal and European Glory
Despite the turmoil, Kelly’s resilience shone through. She forced a loan move to Arsenal in January, posting candid statements about her well-being. The gamble paid off: not only did she recover her form, but she played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph in May. The North London derby, once a source of anxiety, became a stage for redemption. When asked about the moment, Kelly said, “Falling back in love with it when Arsenal came calling… I am grateful to that club and grateful to Sarina.”
Her journey was about more than silverware. “When you see them in the stadiums, when you’re wearing silverware, that means the most to me,” Kelly reflected (Mirror). Her family’s presence at matches became a symbol of survival and support, turning each victory into a shared celebration of overcoming adversity.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year: A Night of Recognition
As Kelly walked the red carpet at MediaCity, she joined a constellation of sporting stars: Rory McIlroy, Lando Norris, Ellie Kildunne, and fellow Lioness Hannah Hampton. The awards, broadcast nationwide, highlighted not just athletic achievement but also the personal stories that shape champions. Kelly, nominated among six athletes for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year, was celebrated for her clutch penalty at the Euros—sealing England’s historic retention of the trophy (Daily Mail).
Though McIlroy ultimately took home the main award, Kelly’s presence was felt throughout the ceremony. She spoke candidly about the importance of staying ready for opportunities and representing her country. “That young girl with a dream got me through,” she said. Her words echoed across the hall, reminding everyone that dreams survive even the darkest moments.
Role Models and the Power of Community
In interviews with The Independent on the red carpet, Kelly revealed the influence of role models in her life. “Kelly Smith at the start of my career, being able to look up to such an amazing role model, for sure, Kelly Smith,” she shared. The Lionesses, including Hampton and Lucy Bronze, credited family and sporting legends for shaping their paths. The togetherness within the England team, highlighted by Sarina Wiegman’s Coach of the Year win, was cited as a key driver of success.
Off the pitch, Kelly’s openness about mental health and alopecia has broadened the conversation around athlete well-being. By sharing her story, she’s become a role model for young footballers facing similar challenges. Her vulnerability is now part of her strength, inspiring fans and teammates alike to prioritize mental health alongside sporting ambition.
A New Era for Women’s Football
Kelly’s journey, from battling anxiety to European glory and national recognition, reflects a wider shift in women’s football. The Lionesses’ success, amplified by visible support networks and honest conversations about health, signals a new chapter—one where athletes are celebrated for their humanity as much as their talent.
As broadcasters like Sky expand coverage, with over 1,400 live matches scheduled for the next season, the stage is set for more stories like Kelly’s to reach the public. Increased visibility means the pressures and triumphs of women’s football will continue to shape the national conversation.
Chloe Kelly’s story is a testament to the power of vulnerability in sport. Her willingness to reveal personal pain, matched by her resilience and competitive spirit, elevates her beyond the pitch—reminding us that greatness is forged in the shadows as much as under the stadium lights.