Chelsea captain Reece James was among the proud spectators in Basel on Sunday night as his sister, Lauren James, helped England Women secure back-to-back European Championship titles. The Lionesses triumphed over Spain in a tense final, prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout to retain their crown.
The victory capped off a remarkable year for the James family. Reece played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s return to the UEFA Champions League while also lifting both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Lauren, meanwhile, enjoyed a similarly dominant campaign with Chelsea Women, claiming the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup titles.
Although Lauren started the Euro 2025 final, she was withdrawn in the first half due to a fitness concern. However, her influence throughout the tournament was undeniable, having scored twice and contributed significantly to England’s route to the final.
Reece, ever the supportive sibling, was quick to congratulate Lauren. He attended the final in person and later took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message: “Congrats my g,” followed by another post expressing admiration for her achievement. The pair have always supported each other’s successes and remain closely linked, not only as family but as elite professionals making their mark on the game.
Still, Lauren is determined to step out of her brother’s shadow. In an interview with BBC Sport in 2023, she acknowledged the frequent comparisons but expressed a desire to be recognized on her own terms.
“Even just ‘that’sc, that’s Reece’s sister’. But I want to carve out [my own name] and be known as ‘this is Lauren James’,” she said. “At the moment, men’s football has a lot bigger profile and I’m sure there are times when I’ve said ‘oh, that’s so and so’s sister’, I think it’s just natural. But it doesn’t bother me too much because I know I have my own career.”
And that career continues to soar. With multiple domestic titles and now a second European crown to her name, Lauren heads into the upcoming Women’s Super League season in September looking to build on what has already been a standout few years in her young career.
In both club and country colours, the James siblings continue to inspire the next generation — each writing their own story, united by talent, drive, and a shared name that now echoes across both men’s and women’s football.
