Ella Toone

Ella Toone

Ella Toone is an English footballer whose creativity, fearless attacking play, and unforgettable Euro 2022 goal helped inspire a historic new era for women’s football in England.

Ella Ann Toone was born on September 2, 1999, in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, and grew up with a deep love for Manchester United. Football was part of her life from an early age, shaped by family support, local clubs, and hours spent practicing skills in the garden.

As a child, Ella Toone played for Astley and Tyldesley Girls and also joined boys’ teams at school. Those early experiences helped her develop confidence on the ball, quick decision making, and a competitive spirit that would later define her professional career.

At around the age of seven, Ella Toone joined Manchester United’s Centre of Excellence. She admired Cristiano Ronaldo and studied his skills, dreaming of one day wearing the famous number seven shirt for the club she supported as a young fan.

Her early journey included a difficult setback. Because Manchester United did not have a senior women’s team at the time, Ella Toone left the club in 2013 and continued her development with Blackburn Rovers before joining Manchester City.

At Blackburn Rovers, she gained valuable experience in youth and senior football. She later joined Manchester City on a dual arrangement, training with the club while continuing to play for Blackburn and eventually becoming part of a Women’s Super League winning squad in 2016.

When Manchester United launched its professional women’s team in 2018, Ella Toone returned to her childhood club. She signed in July 2018 and made her competitive debut in August of that year, beginning a new chapter that would make her one of the most important players in the club’s history.

Ella Toone scored on her league debut for Manchester United in a 12 0 victory over Aston Villa, immediately showing the attacking instinct and finishing ability that would become her trademark. She helped United win the FA Women’s Championship in their first season and earn promotion to the Women’s Super League.

Her creativity, movement, and eye for goal made her a fan favorite at Manchester United. Ella Toone became the club’s first player to reach 100 appearances and later became the first to reach 200 appearances, while also becoming the club’s all time leading scorer.

Internationally, Ella Toone progressed through England’s youth teams, representing her country at under 17, under 19, and under 21 levels. She played at the 2016 FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup and continued to develop her reputation as a talented attacking midfielder.

Ella Toone received her first senior England call up in September 2020 and made her debut in February 2021 against Northern Ireland. Later that year, she scored a hat trick in a World Cup qualifying match against Latvia, announcing herself as a serious international talent.

Her rise was built on persistence. Ella Toone did not take a direct path to the top, but she used every experience, including setbacks and changes of club, to strengthen her game and prepare for the biggest moments.

By the time England prepared for UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, Ella Toone had become an important part of Sarina Wiegman’s squad. Her energy, technical ability, and willingness to take risks made her a valuable option in attacking midfield.

Ella Toone’s story reflects the growth of women’s football in England. From playing in local girls’ teams to scoring at Wembley in a major final, her career shows how investment, opportunity, and belief can transform the possibilities available to young female players.

Beyond football, she has become a role model for young athletes. Ella Toone supports grassroots football, promotes opportunities for girls, and uses her platform to encourage the next generation to believe that their dreams are achievable.

Ella Toone Euro 2022 Final and England Lionesses Success

Ella Toone created one of the most memorable moments in English football history during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final against Germany at Wembley Stadium. Entering as a substitute, she scored a delicate chip in the 62nd minute to give England the lead.

Her goal came after a precise pass from Keira Walsh sent Ella Toone through on goal. With remarkable composure, she lifted the ball over the advancing German goalkeeper, sparking celebrations across Wembley and throughout England.

England went on to win the final 2 1 after extra time, claiming the nation’s first major women’s football trophy. Ella Toone’s goal became an enduring symbol of the tournament and one of the defining images of the Lionesses’ historic victory.

Earlier in Euro 2022, Ella Toone also scored a crucial equalizer against Spain in the quarterfinals. Her 84th minute goal sent the match into extra time, helping England recover and eventually advance with a 2 1 victory.

Ella Toone played in every match of England’s successful Euro 2022 campaign. Although she often came off the bench, her impact was decisive, showing that squad depth and readiness to seize opportunities can be just as important as starting roles.

The Euro 2022 triumph changed the landscape of women’s football in England. Record crowds, major television audiences, and widespread media attention followed the tournament, and Ella Toone became one of the faces of that cultural moment.

Her success continued at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ella Toone helped England reach the final in Australia, contributing to a remarkable tournament run that captured the imagination of fans around the world.

Although England finished as runners up to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, Ella Toone’s performances earned recognition from fellow professionals. She was named in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11, confirming her status among the world’s leading midfielders.

Ella Toone returned to major tournament success in 2025, helping England win UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 and retain their European title. Becoming a two time European champion placed her among the most successful English players of her generation.

Her international career has been defined by big moments. Whether scoring in finals, providing assists, or changing the tempo of a match, Ella Toone has repeatedly shown the ability to perform when England needs her most.

She has earned more than 60 senior caps for England and scored more than 20 international goals. Those numbers reflect not only talent but also consistency, professionalism, and a willingness to keep improving at the highest level.

Ella Toone’s journey with the Lionesses also highlights the importance of belief. She waited for her senior opportunity, made the most of it, and then became a trusted player in major tournaments rather than a fleeting squad member.

Her Euro 2022 goal is remembered not only for its technical quality but also for its emotional power. It represented the fulfillment of a childhood dream and the confidence of a generation of English players who believed they could win on the biggest stage.

Ella Toone’s success has helped inspire more girls to play football. Young supporters see in her a player who grew up watching Manchester United, practiced skills in her garden, and eventually scored at Wembley for her country.

Her impact extends beyond goals and trophies. Ella Toone represents the possibility that women’s football can be celebrated, professionally supported, and embraced by mainstream audiences.

Manchester United Career and Football Achievements

Ella Toone’s Manchester United career is one of the most significant in the club’s women’s football history. Since joining in 2018, she has become the team’s all time leading scorer and appearance maker.

She helped Manchester United win the 2018 19 FA Women’s Championship and secure promotion to the Women’s Super League. That achievement laid the foundation for United’s growth into one of the leading clubs in English women’s football.

Ella Toone became the first Manchester United Women player to make 100 appearances and later became the first to reach 200. Those milestones reflect her durability, importance, and deep connection to the club.

She wears the number seven shirt, a number associated with some of Manchester United’s greatest players. For Ella Toone, wearing it carries special meaning because she grew up supporting the club and admiring Cristiano Ronaldo.

Her best seasons have combined goals, assists, and influential performances in big matches. Ella Toone’s ability to arrive late in the box, create chances, and score from distance makes her a constant threat in attacking midfield.

In 2024, Ella Toone helped Manchester United win the Women’s FA Cup. She scored a superb long range goal in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, putting United ahead on the way to a major trophy.

That strike was later recognized as Manchester United’s Goal of the Season, further highlighting her ability to produce moments of quality when the stakes are highest. It also added another memorable chapter to her club career.

Ella Toone was named Manchester United Women’s Player of the Year for the 2023 24 season. The award recognized her consistency, leadership, and importance to a team competing at the top of English football.

Her performances have also earned repeated recognition from fellow professionals. Ella Toone was shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for four consecutive years and was selected for the World 11 in 2023.

In May 2026, Ella Toone received an MBE for her services to football. The honor recognized both her achievements on the pitch and her wider contribution to the growth and visibility of women’s football.

Her career has not been without challenges. In the 2025 26 season, Ella Toone dealt with the loss of her father and a hip injury that kept her sidelined for several months, testing her resilience during a difficult period.

She returned before the end of the season and continued to compete at a high level. Her ability to face personal and professional challenges with strength has deepened the respect she earns from teammates, supporters, and fellow professionals.

Ella Toone has also built a presence beyond playing. Through her ET7 initiative and creative projects, she works to create opportunities for young girls and celebrate women’s football in new and accessible ways.

Her connection to Manchester remains central to her identity. Ella Toone’s journey from local grassroots football to Old Trafford and Wembley shows how community support and opportunity can shape a player’s entire career.

As Manchester United continues to compete in the Women’s Super League and Europe, Ella Toone remains a symbol of the club’s women’s team. Her records, trophies, and loyalty have made her one of its most influential modern players.

Playing Style and Inspiration for Young Footballers

Ella Toone is known as an explosive attacking midfielder with excellent vision, close control, and a natural instinct for goal. Her playing style combines creativity with courage, allowing her to influence matches in both build up play and decisive moments.

She is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, turning away from defenders, and progressing play into dangerous areas. Ella Toone’s ability to find space between midfield and attack makes her difficult to mark and valuable in tight matches.

Her finishing is one of her greatest strengths. Ella Toone can score from distance, arrive late in the penalty area, and remain composed in one on one situations, as demonstrated by her chip in the Euro 2022 final.

Her movement off the ball is equally important. Ella Toone makes intelligent runs beyond the forward line, creating passing options for teammates and forcing defenders to make difficult decisions.

She also brings energy and personality to the pitch. Ella Toone plays with visible joy, which has made her a popular figure among fans and a powerful example for young players learning to enjoy the game.

Her journey teaches young footballers that setbacks can become stepping stones. Leaving Manchester United as a teenager could have ended her connection with the club, but she continued developing and eventually returned when a professional women’s team was created.

Ella Toone’s story also shows the value of grassroots football. Local clubs, school teams, and community coaches gave her the foundation to develop her skills and pursue a professional career.

For girls who dream of playing football, she offers a clear example of what is possible. Ella Toone grew up watching matches with her father, practiced constantly, joined local teams, and eventually became a European champion and club record holder.

Her willingness to speak about the importance of women’s football has helped amplify conversations about equality, investment, and opportunity in sport. She understands that visibility can inspire participation.

Ella Toone’s MBE recognizes not only her football achievements but also her broader influence. Through mentoring, advocacy, and community work, she continues to give back to the game that shaped her life.

Her career demonstrates that success is built through persistence, passion, and preparation. Ella Toone did not become a major tournament hero by chance; she developed her skills over years of training, competition, and belief.

She also shows the importance of embracing individuality. Ella Toone’s creative style, expressive celebrations, and confident approach to attacking football have made her stand out in a highly competitive sport.

As women’s football continues to grow, Ella Toone’s influence will be measured not only in goals but also in the opportunities she helps create for the next generation. Her legacy is already visible in the confidence of young players who see themselves in her story.

From Tyldesley to Wembley, Ella Toone has shown that dreams can become reality through hard work, family support, and the courage to take chances. Her journey continues to inspire footballers to play boldly and believe in their own potential.