In the wake of the Lionesses’ thrilling Euros final victory over Spain, Maxine Harrison shines a light on rising star Michelle Agyemang — a 19-year-old striker whose talent on the pitch is matched by her bold Christian faith.

Michelle football

Source: 18th July, 2025. Michelle Agyemang scores the goal and celebrates for England during the UEFA Womens EURO 2025 Quarter-Final match between Sweden and England at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland. Credit: Independent Photo Agency/Alamy Live News

With the Lionesses’ victory in the women’s Euros final with Spain, now is the perfect time to spotlight rising star Michelle Agyemang - a striker on the Lioness team who has been very vocal about her Christian faith. Here are some facts we know about the Lioness footballer:

Born and raised in South Ockendon, Essex, Michelle is of Ghanaian descent. Ironically, her surname, Agyemang, actually translates to “saviour of the nation” in the language of Akan. The name has resonated with many fans, considering her fantastic performance in the Euros this year.

Just four years ago, Michelle was a ball girl for England’s World Cup qualifier 

Just four years ago, Michelle was a ball girl for England’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in 2021. Her love for football extends from early childhood, as she joined Arsenal at the tender age of six. The footballer’s talent for the game is evident as she has gained three senior goals and four senior caps throughout her career.

READ MORE: Football is bringing Christian women together’

Before joining the Lionesses, she had been regularly scoring goals for the Young Lionesses in previous years. So it’s no surprise she is performing so well in the Euros this year. The Christian is now on a season-long loan to Brighton and Hove Albion for the 2024-25 campaign.

But Michelle makes it very clear that her faith is of deep importance to her.

Full of gratitude, the 19-year-old told UEFA Women’s Euro after scoring in the 97th minute in the England vs Italy game: “It means the world to me. I’m so grateful. Four years ago, I was a kid just throwing a ball to some of these girls, and now I’m playing with them. It’s a great opportunity and I’m so happy I am here.”

Michelle has the world looking at her God-given talents as the 19-year-old also scored in England’s equaliser in their quarter-final win against Sweden.

READ MORE: I Googled all the whole England women’s football squad to find out if they were Christians and here’s what I learned

The striker also uses her social media platform to proclaim her Christian faith.

The striker also uses her social media platform to proclaim her Christian faith. With the crucifix cross symbol in her Instagram bio, Agyemang also often captions her posts with Bible scriptures. One of her latest ones is on 9th April on a slider post with her in her element in a match. The caption reads: “Philippians 4:13 - ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. Not the result we hoped for, but beyond grateful for the opportunity to make my senior team debut. A moment I’ll never forget - just the beginning.”

The theme of gratitude and humility seems to run through Michelle as her Instagram post where she left Brighton on loan, posted on 11th May 2025, reads: “After a long season, my loan spell at Brighton has come to an end. It is a blessing to have been a part of such a wonderful club, with amazing players, coaches, staff and fans. I am beyond grateful for all the love and support I received from everyone this season, which has helped me grow both as a player and a person. Thank you”

READ MORE: As a professional footballer and a Christian, I want the momentum around women’s football to continue long after the World Cup

Michelle has also been seen kneeling down and praying when on the field. Incorporating her faith in her clothing, too, she has worn Ballers in God socks that have a symbol of the cross on them. This serves both as a public declaration and a personal reminder of the faith that she holds.

In a public platform like the women’s Euros, it’s refreshing to see someone as young as Michelle be bold about her faith and go out of her way to declare Bible scriptures  on her platform (Matthew 5:14). The Bible talks about being the light of the world, and the rising star seems to be doing just that. Keep going, Michelle! We are all rooting for you.