Footballer on Songs of Praise: 'Faith is the key'

Golden girl of women’s football, Michelle Agyemang, has taken another opportunity to share her faith with the world.

Though her two crucial goals may have helped England win last year’s UEFA Euros, it is Jesus Christ who plays the central role in her life, and she is so grateful for the platform the game has given her to spread the gospel.

The 20-year-old striker was the focus of BBC TV’s Songs of Praise on 30 August; she was interviewed by Sean Fletcher who confessed to being a fan of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as Michelle gave him a tour of the Emirates Stadium where she represents Arsenal in the Women’s Super League, having joined the club at the age of six!

Of Ghanaian descent and already honoured with an MBE, she told Sean: “Everything I have is thanks to God’s mercy and grace. No matter what I’m doing, faith is the key, the central thing.”

Winner of the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2025, she is also a talented musician which she uses to aid worship in her church (she even took her piano to Switzerland for the Euros “to keep her calm”). She has known that Jesus loves her since attending Sunday School from the age of five but her relationship with God has become even more real and personal since then.

Currently studying at university and unfortunately laid off through a knee injury, she says she is “praying for help,” but adds: “I’ve learnt never to blame God but ask him what he wants me to learn from this.”

For others struggling with various issues today, her message is that “looking to Jesus is the only solution”, promptly choosing the hymn “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow” to make her point.

Growing up, she was soon spotted for her talents and was once a ball-girl at Wembley, little realising what heights of success lay ahead. The day she was called up for England, her delighted dad was praising God over the phone when he heard the news.

As for the big final, both her goals were equalisers which of course kept her team in with a chance. She was naturally elated each time but adds: “I was on the ground praying and thanking God.” (She could be seen on her knees making the sign of the cross.) “Even on the pitch I’m praying for protection for me and the team as well as our opponents.”

Another hymn choice, the Old Rugged Cross, speaks appropriately of her true ambitions and future hopes with the lines:

“And till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown.”

As I sign off on this story, I find myself looking at a back page photo ¹ of fellow club professional Bukayo Saka pointing to heaven in gratitude after scoring Arsenal’s winner at Aston Villa. I’m so proud of our footballing faith heroes.

1. Daily Mail, 1 September 2026