Chloe Kelly exhibited exceptional sportsmanship following England’s triumph in a penalty shootout during the Round of 16 in the Women’s World Cup.
The England standout was observed offering consolation to a visibly distraught Nigerian goalkeeper.
Furthermore, Kelly took proactive measures by intervening when a cameraman approached too closely, ensuring the privacy and emotional well-being of the goalkeeper.
This display of compassion and protective action brings to mind a comparable instance involving Kelly’s compatriot, Jordan Pickford.
In a similar vein, Pickford shielded Three Lions striker Harry Kane from undue attention after Kane’s penalty miss resulted in England’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup.
These actions underscore the solidarity and respect exhibited among athletes during moments of both triumph and adversity.
this is absolute class from Chloe Kelly👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/tKb5odlNgE
— Tash🏴 (@muwfcwoso) August 7, 2023
A classy touch from the #Lionesses 💚
Chloe Kelly went over to console Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie immediately after she scored the winning penalty for England – talk about respect 👏#FIFAWWC #ENG #NGA #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/cxMfWtapDs
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 7, 2023
In a gripping encounter, the 10-player Lionesses showcased their resilience by securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup.
The team emerged victorious with a 4-2 penalty shootout triumph following a goalless draw during regular time.
The focal point of discussion undoubtedly lies on Lauren James’ red card, a pivotal moment that occurred amidst a rather modest performance from the reigning European champions.
This turn of events adds an intriguing layer to the overall narrative of the match, showcasing the team’s ability to overcome challenges while maintaining their pursuit of success in the tournament.
However, one brilliant moment did come from the game when Kelly proved just why she’s one of the most loved players in the game.
chloe kelly with the winning penalty but then seconds after shes running back to comfort nigerian goalkeeper, chiamaka nnadozie. so selfless and proper sportsmanship ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cRF7uDntq8
— mia (@miadlazaro) August 7, 2023
Also huge respect to Chloe Kelly for not really celebrating and going straight over to console Nnadozie, as well as telling the cameras to get lost zooming in on the Nigerians faces#ENG #NGA #ENGNGA pic.twitter.com/DV2YFhQ4SK
— Charlotte Patterson (@kirbyhazard) August 7, 2023
In the wake of the shootout, the Nigerian keeper collapsed to the turf, clearly overcome with emotion after her team’s exit from the tournament.
After slotting the winning spot kick, Kelly spotted this and quickly rushed over to comfort the dejected Chiamaka Nnadozie.
An overzealous cameraman was keen to get a closer look at Nnadozie as she burst into tears on the pitch.
England star Kelly quickly intervened, though, shooing the official away before helping the goalkeeper to her feet.
It made for a very wholesome moment – one which fans loved too.
True ‘legend’ behaviour from Chloe Kelly. The Nigeria keeper Nnadozie is distraught after losing the shoot out and she’s telling the camera operator to get lost. #ENGNGA pic.twitter.com/boAnDaS90l
— Simon Harris – Man Behaving Dadly (THAT’S DADLY) (@simonharris_mbd) August 7, 2023
One person tweeted: “This is absolute class from Chloe Kelly.”
While another added: “True ‘legend’ behaviour from Chloe Kelly. The Nigeria keeper Nnadozie is distraught after losing the shoot out and she’s telling the camera operator to get lost.”
As a third commented “Also huge respect to Chloe Kelly for not really celebrating and going straight over to console Nnadozie, as well as telling the cameras to get lost zooming in on the Nigerian faces.”
Classy stuff from the 25-year-old.
England now face the winner of Colombia and Jamaica.