Exclusive: Fran Kirby on rediscovering her purpose after international retirement

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Refreshed and rejuvenated, Team VISA’s Fran Kirby is thoroughly enjoying a summer of football in Switzerland.

Where other major tournaments have seen her in full focus mode, at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 she has basked in the fan experience.

As well as getting to see an excellent showcase of the sport, the Brighton forward is witnessing firsthand the growth of the game – something she has had an instrumental hand in.

“I love where the game has gone; I hope it continues growing and I hope it can break barriers and records,” she told Olympics.com in an exclusive interview.

“To be able to be here and be a part of it, feel the atmosphere—not as a player but as a fan—it was really cool.

“When you’re on the pitch you kind of zone out from everything and focus on the game, so being able to be on the sidelines and see it happening, seeing how much all the fans love it was really, really special.”

France, Sweden, and Spain are all among the sides that have impressed Kirby, but she remains quietly confident in the Lionesses, who are looking to retain their title.

Away from the roaring stands her thoughts have turned inward, a new vantage point offering space for reflection.

What comes after international football for someone who has given over a decade to the national team?

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