A young girl who stole the spotlight by shaking hands with the victorious Lionesses beside Prince William has now been identified — ending days of online speculation.
A Viral Moment on the Pitch
For those who may have missed it, the girl became an overnight sensation after appearing on the pitch at St Jakob‑Park in Basel, Switzerland, following the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Final on Sunday, July 27.
It was a dramatic night for football fans, as England’s Lionesses clinched a tense victory over Spain in a gripping penalty shootout. In the post-match celebrations, several prominent figures and tournament ambassadors made their way onto the field — among them Prince William and his 10-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte.
As patron of England’s Football Association, it was William’s role to present medals to the winning squad, shaking each player’s hand as part of the ceremony.
But viewers watching the live broadcast were quick to notice a young girl standing confidently between William and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin — enthusiastically shaking hands with the players, sometimes even before Prince William could finish his own greeting.
The moment didn’t go unnoticed by fans online, and the clip quickly went viral.
“The little girl from the #Euro2025 Foundation, stood next to Prince William during the medal ceremony is killing me,” one viewer commented on X (formerly Twitter). “Bless her man, fully trying to cut him out of the handshake proceedings.”
Another fan added: “She was fabulous, totally the most thrilled person ever to be there!”
A third joked: “That girl jumping in front of Prince William to get the handshakes, huge move, she has my respect.”
Revealed: The Girl Behind the Moment
Until now, her identity remained unknown. But German news outlet 20 Minuten has confirmed that the girl is 12-year-old Greta, a Portuguese national.
Greta has reportedly been living in Switzerland for several years and was diagnosed with a rare genetic form of epilepsy when she was just six months old.
Her presence at the match was thanks to the UEFA Foundation for Children, an initiative that allows children facing various health conditions to participate in ceremonial and recreational events — including high-profile moments like the trophy and medal presentation.
UEFA Speaks Out About Greta’s Role
A representative from UEFA spoke warmly about Greta’s involvement in the ceremony, explaining why she was chosen to be part of such a significant event.
“Greta is a cheerful, open-minded, and determined young girl with a great passion for sport,” the representative told the outlet.
“Her enthusiasm, perseverance, and love of sport made her a fitting and inspiring choice to participate in the medal ceremony alongside UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.”
From viral sensation to heartfelt symbol of joy and resilience, Greta’s presence added a memorable and touching element to the historic night — one that fans and players alike won’t soon forget.
