The streets of London were awash with jubilation as the Lionesses, England's national women's football team, celebrated their Euro 2025 victory with an open-top bus parade culminating in a special ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. The team's momentous achievement of defending their European title was met with roaring applause from thousands of fans who lined The Mall to catch a glimpse of their heroes.
The victory parade commenced at 12:10 PM, with the open-top bus carrying the Lionesses making its way down The Mall. The procession ended at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, where a staged ceremony took place. The Royal Marines Portsmouth band and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force provided musical accompaniment, while highlights from the tournament played on large screens.
The celebrations reached a fever pitch when England manager Sarina Wiegman, still basking in the glow of the team's remarkable victory, was surprised on stage by one of her favorite artists, Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy. The crowd erupted as Wiegman and Burna Boy shared a hug, before the singer performed his hit song "For My Hand". Wiegman, known for her calm and composed demeanor, couldn't contain her excitement, as she was seen singing and dancing along to the music.
Former England star Alex Scott, who hosted the celebration, revealed that Burna Boy is Wiegman's "favourite artist". The surprise appearance added an extra layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere, showcasing the team's connection with popular culture and their ability to inspire fans from all walks of life.
The Lionesses' victory in the Euro 2025 final against Spain was a hard-fought battle that went down to a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as the hero, saving two penalties to secure the win for England. Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning goal in the 2022 final, once again stepped up to convert the decisive penalty.
The victory parade was not just a celebration of sporting achievement but also a testament to the Lionesses' impact on society. Wiegman believes that their success has inspired people of all ages and genders, not just in England but beyond. The team's resilience and belief in themselves, even when facing adversity, have resonated with fans around the world.
Prior to the parade, the Lionesses were hosted at Downing Street by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock. The team also video-called Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland. Wiegman described the reception as "very, very special," noting the pictures of the team's Euro journey that were on display.
The Euro 2025 victory and the subsequent celebrations have solidified the Lionesses' place in English sporting history. Their success has not only brought joy to the nation but has also inspired a new generation of footballers and shown the power of sport to unite and inspire.
