England Lionesses Win Euro 2025 Final Against Spain Amid Joey Barton Backlash

The England Lionesses secured a historic victory by retaining their Euro 2025 title in a dramatic penalty shootout against Spain, marking the first time an England team has won a major football trophy on foreign soil and the first senior English side to defend their title. Despite the triumph and widespread celebrations, former footballer Joey Barton sparked outrage with disparaging remarks on social media, dismissing the tournament as the "Nonsense Pottery Trophy" and criticizing the penalty shootout as "borderline embarrassing." Barton also controversially told the team not to ask for equal pay, provoking strong backlash from fans and commentators who highlighted the Lionesses' achievements as far surpassing Barton's own football career. His comments extended to a dismissive response toward Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's praise for the team, further fueling criticism of Barton's stance against women's football. The Lionesses' coach, Sarina Wiegman, made history as the first coach—men’s or women’s—to win three consecutive international tournaments, underscoring the significance of the team's success. Public reaction largely condemned Barton's remarks as misogynistic and petty, emphasizing the Lionesses' role in breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.