Manchester United and England women star celebrates 'brilliant moment' amid Barcelona links

The 24-year-old from Tyldesley - accompanied by partner Joe Bunney, the former Rochdale, Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers player – has been recognised with a Believe Star from Wigan Council on their walk of fame in Leigh.

"This is a a brilliant moment for me and my family,” said the Manchester United star. “I never once thought I’d be recognised in this way in my home borough, but I’m really proud to be here today. Women’s football is massive for giving girls and boys equal opportunities, and I’m happy to be part of a team leading the way and breaking down barriers for everyone to get involved in playing football.”

Wigan Council’s chief executive Alison McKenzie-Folan said: “Ella has already had some amazing successes throughout her career, and we can’t wait to what else she achieves. She is a great role model for young girls and boys in our town and Leigh was proud to host some of the Euro 2022 games, with Dutch fans turning the town into a sea of orange during one parade. It’s brilliant that Ella can achieve her dreams so close to home, with Leigh Sports Village being home to Manchester United Women. We’re so proud to call Ella one of our own.”

Her plaque reads: "Ella Toone. Lioness and European Championship Winner”. Toone played a key role as the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022, scoring the opening goal in the final against Germany. She has just enjoyed a strong season at club level with Manchester United, coming up with a brilliant opening goal in the FA Cup final victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Toone, who recently won her 50th cap for England, has been linked with a big-money move to Barcelona this summer.

Last year, she officially unveiled the ‘Ella Toone Pitch’, thanks to a £7.6 million investment from the Premier League, the FA and Government’s Football Foundation into new facilities in Wigan. Toone’s former Fred Longworth classmate Keely Hodgkinson was bestowed with the same honour last year.

Previous recipients of the star include fellow sporting icons John Woods and Alex Murphy OBE plus community workers including Pam Gilligan from Compassion in Action.