"I wasn't expecting it, but it's always special to be appreciated by England fans," Bronze said after receiving the award. "I adore playing for my country, and I've put my heart and soul into every game over the past 12 years. It's a huge honour, especially after such an incredible year with the Euros. I'm very proud."
During the 2024-25 season, Bronze made 16 appearances for England, starting 15 of them, and featured in every match of the European Championship. Her most memorable moment came in the quarter-final against Sweden when, with England trailing 2-0, her header in the 79th minute sparked a dramatic comeback that led to a penalty shootout. Despite playing with her thigh heavily strapped, she converted the decisive penalty to send England through.
In the final against Spain, Bronze played 106 minutes and once again helped her team secure victory in another shootout after a 1-1 draw. After the tournament, she revealed that she had played the competition with a fractured leg, further cementing her reputation for toughness and commitment.
Bronze now holds 140 caps for England since making her debut in 2013, tying with Alex Scott for fourth place on the nation's all-time appearance list. She has also become the first Lioness to feature in 36 matches across seven major tournaments, more than any other player in the team's history.
Reflecting on her journey, Bronze said, "For me, 2015 was when I really started to establish myself as an England player, and by 2019, I felt I was reaching my peak. But this year has been beyond anything I could have imagined. The way we won the Euros, the energy around it, and the support for women's football have been extraordinary."
Arsenal's Chloe Kelly, who scored England's winning penalty in the final, and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who was named player of the match, finished second and third in the fan vote. Despite limited appearances for Chelsea this season due to injury, Bronze has been recalled to the England squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Australia.
