England's Kelly celebrates 'most powerful' winning penalty kick against Nigeria with massive mural

After setting a record for the most powerful shot of the 2022/23 season against Nigeria, England's Chloe Kelly has been rewarded with a massive mural in Manchester

In an extraordinary celebration of female athletic prowess and a momentous achievement in football, England's Chloe Kelly stood in awe as a massive 2,774 square foot mural dedicated to her historic penalty kick was unveiled in Manchester's Northern Quarter. 

This awe-inspiring artwork commemorates Kelly's record-breaking shot against Nigeria in the Women’s World Cup, hailed as the most powerful strike of the 2022-23 season across both men's and women's football.

 A Shot Heard Around the World

Kelly's powerful penalty kick, at an amazing speed of 69mph, helped England move forward to the World Cup quarterfinals and started a big conversation about what female athletes can do. Some people didn't believe how strong her kick was, so scientists explained in detail the precise mechanics behind Kelly’s shot that led to such a phenomenal transfer of energy. 

Her kick was even stronger than the hardest shot in the Premier League season by almost 3mph, shattering stereotypes and setting a new standard for excellence.

 A Mural of Triumph and Inspiration

The unveiling of the mural, a project launched in collaboration with Doritos, is more than just a tribute to a single moment of glory. It stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging individuals to challenge and overcome prevailing preconceptions. "It was a great moment for me and a highlight of my career when I got out there and was my boldest self on the pitch – setting a record that beat even the fastest male kick of the season," Kelly reflected on her groundbreaking achievement.

Kelly’s mural is not merely a personal accolade but a symbol of progress for women in sport and beyond. "It didn't surprise me that as many as one in six people in the UK didn't believe it was a record set by a woman, but that's why I will keep showing up and doing my best because it's not men's football or women's football, it's just football," Kelly stated, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality in sports.

Challenging Preconceptions and Celebrating Women in Sport

The Manchester City star, renowned for her decisive contributions on the field, including a match-winning free-kick that propelled her team to the FA Cup quarter-finals, sees the mural as a celebration for all women. "This is a big moment for all women, those involved in sport and beyond, as it marks a step in the right direction in terms of recognizing our achievements," Kelly added.

Chloe Kelly's mural in Manchester's Northern Quarter is more than just a piece of art; it is a testament to the strength, skill, and resilience of women in sports. By shattering records and challenging stereotypes, Kelly has not only secured her place in football history but has also paved the way for future generations of female athletes. Her story, immortalized on the streets of Manchester, serves as a powerful reminder that in football, as in life, it's the courage to defy expectations that truly defines greatness.

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