The British High Commission in Ghana has congratulated Michelle Agyemang, a British footballer of Ghanaian descent, following her victory at the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.
In a celebratory message shared on social media, the High Commission wrote: “‘Woayɛ adeɛ!’ UK in Ghana celebrates Michelle Agyemang’s BBC Young Sports Personality Award Congratulations to Michelle Agyemang, a deserving winner and a great ambassador for the Lionesses!”
The use of the Akan expression “woayɛ adeɛ”, meaning “well done”, was widely interpreted as a cultural nod to Ghana and an acknowledgment of the contribution of Ghanaians and the diaspora to British society and sport.
The BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award is one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious youth sports honours, presented annually to an athlete aged 17 or under who has demonstrated exceptional talent, impact and character on the national or international stage.
Selected by a panel of experts, the award recognises not only sporting excellence but also influence, resilience and inspiration. Agyemang’s selection places her among an elite group of young athletes whose performances have transcended their sport.
Agyemang’s triumph follows a remarkable breakthrough year with the England women’s national team.She announced her arrival in dramatic fashion, scoring just 41 seconds after coming on as a substitute on her senior debut against Belgium in Leuven. That moment proved to be the start of a defining international run, as she went on to play a pivotal role in England’s victorious campaign at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, delivering crucial contributions during the knockout stages as the Lionesses lifted the continental title.
Her impact in 2025 was further underlined when she was named Golden Girl 2025, becoming only the fourth English player to receive the accolade after Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham. Upon receiving the award, Agyemang expressed heartfelt gratitude to her teammates, coaches and family, while also acknowledging her faith, describing the year as one marked by support, growth and thankfulness.
“Wow. Thank you so much. I am so grateful. To all my team mates, coaches, I am so grateful. To my family, who have supported me all this year and throughout my career – even if it hasn’t been that long – I love you. A big thank you to God for this opportunity. I am so thankful.” She said
Born in England to Ghanaian parents, Agyemang began her football journey at Arsenal Women, joining the club’s academy at a young age and rising steadily through its development system.
Loan spells offered valuable senior experience before her senior England call-up in 2025, where she made an immediate and lasting impression. Her rapid ascent from academy prospect to European champion and national award winner highlights both her individual brilliance and the growing influence of athletes of African heritage in shaping modern British sport
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