The Lionesses Shine Beyond the Pitch: Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, and England Squad Honoured with Collective of the Year Award at the ELLE Style Awards 2025
On a crisp September evening in London, the worlds of fashion, culture, and sport collided in spectacular fashion as the England Women’s National Football Team—the Lionesses—were awarded the prestigious “Collective of the Year” honour at the 2025 ELLE Style Awards. It was a night filled with glamour, symbolism, and celebration, but also one that underscored the extraordinary cultural impact of this group of athletes.
Led by the likes of Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, and Hannah Hampton, the Lionesses walked the red carpet not only as champions of football but as icons who have redefined what it means to be women in sport. Their presence at an event historically dominated by figures from fashion, film, and music was in itself a statement: footballers are not just athletes—they are role models, tastemakers, and pioneers shaping the cultural landscape of modern Britain.
This feature takes a deep look into the story behind the award, the rise of the Lionesses as cultural icons, their influence on and off the pitch, the reactions from the fashion world, and what their victory at the ELLE Style Awards means for the future of women’s sport.
The Award: Why the Lionesses?
The ELLE Style Awards have long been regarded as one of the most glamorous events in the global fashion calendar. Held annually, the awards celebrate not just style in the superficial sense, but influence, cultural relevance, and the ability of individuals or groups to change the conversation.
The Collective of the Year award is one of the evening’s most coveted honours. Previous winners have included activist groups, creative collectives, and ensembles in film or music. For the Lionesses to claim this recognition in 2025 was groundbreaking—marking the first time a national sports team had been bestowed the honour.
According to ELLE’s editor-in-chief, the Lionesses were chosen because:
“They have united a nation through their talent, resilience, and authenticity. But beyond football, they’ve become a collective that champions women, challenges stereotypes, and inspires millions. They embody strength, style, and sisterhood, making them the perfect choice for Collective of the Year.”
A Red Carpet Moment
The Lionesses made a statement even before they stepped onto the stage to accept their award. Dressed in a combination of sustainably crafted designer gowns, power suits, and modern streetwear-inspired ensembles, they showcased both individuality and unity.
- Leah Williamson, ever the composed leader, stunned in an Alexander McQueen tailored suit with subtle detailing that reflected her strength and understated elegance.
- Lucy Bronze turned heads in a sleek Stella McCartney gown, her confidence radiating as effortlessly as her marauding runs down the right flank.
- Hannah Hampton, the young goalkeeper whose rising star continues to shine, wore a Vivienne Westwood-inspired piece that blended tradition with rebellious energy.
Together, they redefined what it means to “dress like athletes,” proving that footballers can rival the sophistication of Hollywood stars and supermodels on fashion’s biggest stage.
The applause they received upon entry was thunderous, not just from fans of football but from designers, celebrities, and influencers who recognized that they were witnessing history.
The Lionesses’ Cultural Impact
The ELLE award is as much about cultural resonance as it is about aesthetics, and in this regard, the Lionesses were unrivalled.
Breaking Sporting Barriers
Over the past decade, women’s football in England has undergone a transformation, and the Lionesses have been at the forefront. Their victory at Euro 2022 at Wembley ignited a national celebration, their World Cup campaigns kept millions glued to screens, and their resilience in overcoming injuries, setbacks, and doubters has inspired future generations.
But beyond sporting triumphs, the Lionesses have broken barriers by demanding equality in resources, visibility, and respect. They’ve made conversations about pay parity, facilities, and representation unavoidable.
Role Models for a Generation
Leah Williamson has become a symbol of resilience after recovering from serious injuries while continuing to speak passionately about inclusivity in sport. Lucy Bronze, with her years at the pinnacle of football across Europe, represents perseverance and excellence. Hannah Hampton embodies the next generation of athletes: bold, unapologetic, and unafraid to express herself both on and off the field.
Collectively, the squad has shown that being a female footballer means more than just playing the game—it’s about advocating for change, inspiring girls to dream bigger, and dismantling outdated stereotypes.
Influence Beyond the Pitch
Fashion houses, brands, and media outlets have embraced the Lionesses not just for their athleticism but for their authenticity. From fronting campaigns for Nike, Adidas, and Gucci, to appearing on magazine covers, the players have become mainstream cultural figures.
Their win at the ELLE Style Awards cemented this crossover status: they are not just sports stars but cultural leaders shaping modern Britain.
The Ceremony: Acceptance Speech and Reactions
When the Lionesses took the stage to accept the award, the moment was emotional and electrifying. Leah Williamson, captain and spokesperson, delivered the speech on behalf of the team.
“This award isn’t just for us—it’s for every girl who’s been told football isn’t for her, for every fan who’s stood by us, and for everyone who believes that sport can change the world. Style isn’t just about clothes—it’s about the way you live, the way you carry yourself, and the values you stand for. Together, we stand for unity, courage, and equality.”
The crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation, applauding not only the eloquence of her words but the power of the collective standing beside her.
Social media exploded within minutes. Hashtags like #LionessesStyle and #ELLEAwards2025 trended globally. Fans praised the team’s grace, strength, and representation. Fashion critics wrote glowing reviews, noting how seamlessly the Lionesses blended sport and style.
Fashion Meets Football: A Symbiotic Evolution
The Lionesses’ triumph at the ELLE Style Awards also reflects a broader trend: the increasing overlap between sport and fashion.
- Football jerseys have become high-fashion items, worn by celebrities and models.
- Athletes are now regulars at Fashion Weeks in Paris, Milan, and London.
- Collaborations between sports brands and luxury designers—once rare—are now common.
The Lionesses’ recognition is a culmination of this evolution. They don’t just wear fashion; they influence it. Their authentic presence challenges the industry to broaden its idea of beauty, power, and femininity.
Wider Repercussions for Women’s Sport
Winning the Collective of the Year award has implications far beyond the ELLE ceremony.
- Visibility: It ensures that women’s football—and women’s sport in general—remain in mainstream conversations, not confined to the sports pages but celebrated in cultural spaces.
- Commercial Opportunities: Sponsors and brands see the Lionesses as more than athletes—they’re ambassadors who can resonate across markets.
- Inspiration: Young girls watching the ceremony now know that footballers can walk red carpets, appear in fashion magazines, and still dominate on the pitch.
This recognition challenges old narratives that pigeonhole female athletes into narrow boxes. The Lionesses prove that women in sport can be multifaceted leaders.
Individual Spotlights
Leah Williamson: The Captain as Cultural Icon
Williamson has become one of the most recognisable faces of women’s sport in Britain. Beyond football, she speaks openly about mental health, inclusivity, and equality. Her appearance at ELLE further reinforced her role as both leader and visionary.
Lucy Bronze: The Veteran Trailblazer
Bronze embodies longevity at the top. Her career has spanned multiple leagues and continents, making her an international role model. Her presence at the awards reminded audiences of the sacrifices and perseverance behind her success.
Hannah Hampton: The Rising Star
At just 24, Hampton’s inclusion on the red carpet symbolised the future of the Lionesses. Her fearless personality and willingness to embrace both tradition and innovation mark her as a figure to watch beyond football.
The Road Ahead
The ELLE award is a milestone, but it’s not the final chapter. The Lionesses continue to compete at the highest levels, with Euro 2026 on the horizon and long-term goals of cementing England as the global powerhouse of women’s football.
Off the pitch, the players are expanding their horizons—writing books, producing documentaries, collaborating with brands, and mentoring the next generation. Their influence will continue to grow, shaping not just sport but wider culture.
Conclusion: A Collective Beyond Compare
The Lionesses’ victory at the ELLE Style Awards 2025 is more than a fashion accolade. It is recognition of a group of women who have transcended sport to become cultural leaders, role models, and pioneers. By winning the Collective of the Year, Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, and their teammates showed the world that football is not just a game—it’s a movement.
In their tailored suits and glamorous gowns, they carried the same spirit they show on the pitch: unity, strength, and authenticity. For the Lionesses, the award is both a celebration of what they’ve achieved and a challenge to keep breaking barriers.
And if their track record is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.
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