Former England star Fran Kirby recalls the moment she got her first England call-up while playing for Reading in WSL2, which led to her breakthrough and being nicknamed ‘Mini Messi’. You can catch Arsenal v Brighton in the Women’s Super League on Sunday 12 October (14:30 BST) on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website & app. Kirby reflected on how her life changed after a collapse that made her think she was having a heart attack.
Kirby, a talented player, shared her experience of receiving the call-up that kickstarted her career. She remembered the excitement and nerves she felt at the time. The match between Arsenal and Brighton will be an exciting one to watch, with both teams giving their all on the field. Kirby’s journey to success is an inspiring one, showing the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving your dreams.
The nickname ‘Mini Messi’ stuck with Kirby throughout her career, showing the impact she had on the football world. Watching the game on Sunday will be a great opportunity to see Kirby in action and witness her skills firsthand. Not really sure why this matters, but Kirby’s story is a reminder of the power of determination and belief in oneself. So, make sure to tune in and support these incredible athletes as they showcase their talents on the pitch.