Lioness' private heartache: Man Utd star Ella Toone reveals her grandmother died on the morning of Euro 2025 final

England midfielder Ella Toone revealed that her beloved grandmother, whom she affectionately called “Nana Maz,” passed away on the morning of the Euro 2025 final against Spain. She played 87 minutes in the final before being substituted, delivering a typically industrious performance as England fought to defend their European crown following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

  • beat in penalties
  • Toone was handed a start by Wiegman
  • The England star was going through a heartbreak

Lioness' private heartache: Man Utd star Ella Toone reveals her grandmother died on the morning of Euro 2025 finalLioness' private heartache: Man Utd star Ella Toone reveals her grandmother died on the morning of Euro 2025 final

Toone’s connection with her grandmother ran deep, and football was one of their shared passions. In her tribute, she recounted how her nan had once placed a bet at a bookmakers that Ella would grow up to represent England at the highest level, a dream that came true. And fittingly, on the day she passed, Toone and her teammates secured another major international title, fulfilling that belief in remarkable .

Taking to Instagram, Toone reflected on the tragic timing of her grandmother’s passing, writing, “Even in the highest of highs life can hit you with the lowest of lows. My Nana Maz took her last breath on the morning of our Euro final. I have comfort in knowing she got to watch from the best seat in the house with Dad, her favourite person.

“I’ll miss you forever nan but I’ll cherish the special memories we made, there isn’t enough words I can possibly say to sum up the person you were, but I’m grateful you were my nanna. My football loving, crazy, funny Nan. All those years ago when you put a bet on at the bookies that I would play for England one day u0026amp; on the day you leave us we bring it home again. You always knew it. Say hello to our angels up there, grandads been waiting for you for a while ❤️ love you always, our ‘ famous ‘ Nanna Maz x

Hello Nan. It’s Ella ❤️ x.”

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Toone featured prominently for Sarina Wiegman’s side during the tournament in , starting five of England’s six matches and once again proving herself a vital part of the Lionesses’ setup. The victory over Spain marked redemption for the English side, and following their return to England on Tuesday, the squad received a rapturous welcome as thousands of fans lined up outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate the success.

While the Euro 2025 final will be remembered for England’s dramatic win and spirited performance, it will also be remembered by Toone and her family as a moment that transcended football. It was a victory for a granddaughter fulfilling a shared dream, one written years ago in a quiet bet and lived out on Europe’s biggest stage.