During the Euro 2025 Women’s Championship final in Basel, a young girl standing close to Prince William during the trophy presentation captured attention. She appeared to take over some of the handshake routine usually reserved for the royal. The mystery girl soon went viral.
The Viral Moment
As England’s Lionesses secured victory over Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout, fans absorbed every detail during the medal ceremony. One scene stood out: a young girl positioned beside Prince William and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, eagerly shaking hands with the players—sometimes slightly preceding William in the greetings. Spectators took to social media:
“That girl jumping in front of Prince William to get the handshakes, huge move, she has my respect.”
“The little girl … stood next to Prince William … fully trying to cut him out of the handshake proceedings.”
These remarks underscored her visible excitement and left viewers curious about who she was and why she was there.
Who Is Greta?
UEFA eventually confirmed the identity of the girl: 12-year-old Greta from Switzerland, originally born in Portugal. She was invited by UEFA as part of its UEFA Foundation for Children initiative, which supports children facing hardships through sport-based opportunities. Greta lives with Dravet syndrome, a severe lifelong form of epilepsy diagnosed when she was six months old. Despite her health challenges, she is described as a cheerful and determined sports fan—a passionate supporter of football, basketball, horse riding, and swimming.
Greta Speaks Out
In her first public comments following the widespread attention, Greta shared that she felt nervous at the beginning of the ceremony. Hearing the players’ smiles helped her relax: “It felt like I was part of their team.” Her excitement was clear as she embraced the moment and engaged joyfully with England’s players—including receiving a warm hug from Chloe Kelly during the ceremony.
UEFA’s Perspective
A UEFA spokesperson praised Greta’s participation:
“Greta is a cheerful, open‑minded, and determined young girl with a great passion for sport. 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.”
This gesture exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to empower children, particularly those with disabilities, by letting them experience iconic moments in sport firsthand.
Public Reaction & Symbolism
Social media quickly responded with admiration. Users celebrated Greta’s visible thrill, sincerity, and confidence. One Instagram commenter said:
“What a champ! And getting a hug from CK!”
Another chimed in:
“What a gesture!”
Public sentiment largely praised UEFA’s inclusion of a young person overcoming adversity, considering it a meaningful illustration of sport’s potential for inclusion and inspiration.
Broader Significance
Greta’s brief but memorable role delivered a powerful message: professional sport and public figures are capable of empowering young people, particularly those with disabilities. Her presence reinforced the values such as inclusion, resilience, and the transformative potential of sport as advocated by the UEFA Foundation for Children. She became more than just a viral moment—Greta embodied the power of ambition and joy under extraordinary circumstances.
Summary
Topic Details
Identity Greta, 12, Portuguese-born, raised in Switzerland
Health Lives with Dravet syndrome (epilepsy)
Role Joined medal ceremony as guest of UEFA Foundation
Behavior Shook players’ hands with enthusiasm, occasionally overtaking Prince William
Public response Widely praised; delivered a powerful symbol of inclusion
UEFA reaction Called her passionate, determined, and fitting for the role.
Final Thoughts
What began as a brief, viral jolt on live television turned into a heartwarming narrative about optimism, opportunity, and community support. Greta’s moment beside Prince William highlighted how sport—and structured outreach programs—can give children with unique challenges a place to shine. Rather than just a side note in a championship ceremony, Greta emerged as a reminder of why inclusion matters both on and off the pitch.
