Wales, the gayest Euros team, have been knocked out – here are their tournament highlights
Wales are out of the Euros but have become fan favourites. (Fabrice Coffrini/Getty)
Wales are out of the Euros but have become fan favourites. (Fabrice Coffrini/Getty)
Wales may have been knocked out of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, but they won our hearts, not least because of the impressive amount of LGBTQ+ representation they brought to the pitch.
After their loss against England’s Lionesses, Wales completed their Euro journey without winning a game in their Group D campaign against France, the Netherlands and England.
The team, the gayest Euros team, consisting of nine out LGBTQ+ players in their squad, lost 6-1 against England on Sunday (13 July), following losses of 0-3 against the Netherlands and 4-1 against France.
Though their Euro journey is over, the team has made history in their campaign. All eyes were on Wales making their first major tournament debut, and it will almost certainly have a transformative effect on the future of the women’s team.
Here are the Welsh squad’s tournament highlights:
Wales’ goal against France
Though France took the lead with a goal after eight minutes, just five minutes later, all-time top goalscorer Jessica Fishlock secured her country’s first-ever Women’s Euro final goal.
At 38-years-old, midfielder Fishlock also made history as the oldest scorer in Women’s Euro history.
The goal celebration was massive, it almost seemed like the team won the Euros!
Speaking about this momentous goal, after the match Fishlock shared: “It was a good reaction from the group. I’m very proud of this team for tonight, result aside.
“Sometimes you look at the bigger picture. It’s just moments when we have to learn, and we’re learning the hard way how to manage those moments at this level. But like I said, I could not be more proud of this group.”
There have been rumours that Fishlock will retire from the game now that she has achieved her dream of representing Wales at a major tournament. Just last week, Fishlock shared she has not yet made a decision about her future in international football.
Wales’ goal against England
In what became their last game of the Euro 2025 tournament, Wales managed to get one goal past the Lionesses on Sunday (13 July).
In the 76th minute, 26-year-old midfielder Hannah Cain secured the team’s second and final goal of the tournament. This prevented the Lionesses from securing a clean sheet.
Posting to Instagram after the match, Cain shared a bittersweet message: “Our Euro journey comes to an end. Scoring my first goal in a major tournament is a moment I’ll cherish forever.
“What an amazing experience, creating history in so many different ways. Couldn’t be prouder to wear this badge and play with these amazing people.
“We gave it our all – Diolch to the fans. You’ve been absolutely incredible. Until next time…”
Reflecting on their games, Wales captain Angharad James shared: “There’s a lot to be proud of, there’s a lot to work on. First of all I’m so proud of this group, this group of players, the staff, the supporters that came out from Wales. It’s been a journey that I’m really proud of. We’ll come back and we’ll be stronger.”
Wales coach Rhian Wilkinson added: “It’s one of those games where we can’t shy away from that performance by England. That was far superior, and equally, by Sarina and her staff, I was out-coached, and that’s the reality; we’re not quite ready yet. What we need to remember is that we have to start somewhere.”
Wales made their Euros debut
Their appearance at the 2025 Euros was a major milestone for the women’s football team as it was their first major tournament debut.
“Being here for the first time and putting Wales on the biggest stage is a win for us,” James said ahead of their first match.
“Before we kicked a football, before we stepped off the plane, we spoke as a group and said we already won regardless of what happens.”
The team also became a fan favourite, selling more tickets than two of their Euro 2025 Group D opponents, the Netherlands and France.
This competition also marks the first time Wales has had a fully professional squad. However, not all of the team play regularly at a high competitive level.
Coach Rhian Wilkinson says that issue is her current number one priority to address.
“My players have to be playing,” Wilkinson said. “I had five players out of contract here at the Euros. It’s mind-blowing to me. Esther Morgan starts all of our games, plays and she doesn’t have a club. It drives me wild.
“I look at some of my players and it does frustrate me. So I’ve got to try and find them opportunities abroad.”
Wales are the Euros team with the most out LGBTQ+ footballers
One of their crowning achievements is that Wales are officially the most queer Euros team.
The squad includes nine out players, from striker Kayleigh Barton, who married her former Brighton teammate Kirsty Barton in 2023, to the Welsh team’s all-time record goal scorer Jess Fishlock.
The team’s out LGBTQ+ players also include Elise Hughes, Sophie Ingle, Angharad James-Turner, Hayley Ladd, Ffion Morgan, Rachel Rowe and Lily Woodham.
The Welsh squad also came up against a number of opposing LGBTQ+ footy stars out on the pitch. Women’s professional football has consistently demonstrated a significant lead over the men’s game in terms of LGBTQ+ representation.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup and Euro 2025 qualifiers were no exception, with a record number of out lesbian, gay, bi and queer female footballers taking to the pitch.
Though Wales may have bowed out, there are many more Euro matches to go, with the semi-finals in Zurich and Geneva on July 22 and 23.
The Women’s Euros 2025 final is set for 27 July in Basel.
You can read more LGBTQ+ Women’s Euros 2025 coverage here.
