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The Lionesses' stunning win in Sunday’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final hasn’t just cemented their place in football history, it’s also delivered the most-watched UK television moment of the year.
According to official figures released by the BBC, a staggering 12.2 million people tuned in at its peak across all BBC platforms to watch England’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain. That number is expected to climb significantly once ITV’s viewing figures are included, with the commercial broadcaster also airing the match live.
The match, held in Basel, saw England secure back-to-back European Championship titles after a tense 1-1 draw was decided by a thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerging as the hero of the night.
So far, BBC One alone attracted a peak of 11.6 million viewers, with the broadcast reaching 59% of all UK TV audiences at the time, a commanding figure that reflects the nation’s growing love for the women's game. An additional 4.2 million streams were recorded online via BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and its mobile app.
A BBC spokesperson said:
“Sunday night’s final was a landmark moment not just for the Lionesses, but for British television. These numbers prove how women’s football has become a truly national event.”
While ITV has yet to release its own viewing data, industry insiders suggest the combined audience could comfortably exceed 15 million, putting it on par with some of the biggest sporting moments of recent years, including England’s men’s team reaching the Euro 2020 final.
The previous record for a UK women’s football broadcast was set during the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, which drew 14.4 million at its peak. That number could now be surpassed.
It’s a remarkable rise for women’s sport on TV, and for the Lionesses themselves, who have become household names across the country. Players like Lucy Bronze, Lauren Hemp, and Hampton have become role models for a new generation, inspiring girls (and boys) to fall in love with the beautiful game.
Fans across the UK took to social media to celebrate both the team's resilience and the momentous achievement off the pitch. Many praised the BBC and ITV for their commitment to giving the game top billing.
With Sport Personality of the Year chatter already swirling, and a potential knighthood or damehood for some players not out of the question, 2025 is shaping up to be another defining year for England’s women.
