Alayah Pilgrim kissed he boyfriend after scoring
There were wild celebrations at Stadion Wankdorf on Sunday night as Switzerland secured their first Women’s EURO win since 2017, and it was Alayah Pilgrim’s special moment that stole the show.
In a dramatic Group A clash under pouring rain in Bern, second-half goals from Geraldine Reuteler and Alayah Pilgrim helped the hosts defeat Iceland 2-0 and keep their knockout hopes alive.
But it was Pilgrim’s emotional celebration that lit up social media and warmed hearts around the football world.
After scoring Switzerland’s second goal in the final minute to seal the crucial victory, the 21-year-old forward leapt over the advertising boards and ran straight to the stands where her family and boyfriend were waiting.
Without hesitation, Pilgrim planted a kiss on her boyfriend before racing back onto the pitch to help see out the match. This moment perfectly captured the joy and relief of a nation desperate for EURO success.
It capped off a night of high drama and near misses. Iceland, fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive after losing their opener, nearly struck first when Ingibjorg Siguroardottir’s half-volley rattled the crossbar inside the first minute.
Switzerland thought they’d broken through in the 29th minute when Svenja Folmli headed home, but VAR chalked it off for a foul in the buildup.
The woodwork came to Iceland’s rescue again either side of halftime, but the hosts finally found the breakthrough when Reuteler converted Sydney Schertenleib’s incisive pass with 14 minutes to play.
Pilgrim’s late strike and her unforgettable celebration ensured all three points for Pia Sundhage’s side, lifting Switzerland to second place in the group ahead of a decisive showdown with Finland.
For Iceland, the defeat means an early exit from EURO 2025, while Switzerland’s dream of advancing to the quarter-finals remains alive.
Watch the video below:
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