In a moment meant to unite a nation behind the Lionesses ahead of Sunday’s grand Euro final, a royal good-luck post instead ignited a storm of disappointment and frustration. Fans were left stunned as rising star Michelle Agyemang — the 19-year-old sensation who rescued England with heroic late goals in both the quarterfinal and semifinal — was noticeably missing from the royal family’s congratulatory photo tribute.

The message, posted across the royal family’s social platforms, praised the team’s journey as “nothing short of remarkable” and celebrated their “fighting spirit.” Yet, the visual chosen for the post told a different story, excluding one of the tournament’s most pivotal contributors — and notably, one of its few Black players.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman responded diplomatically at the pre-match press conference, calling it “unfortunate” and stressing she believes it wasn’t intentional. “The message from the royal family is that they really, really support us,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that (Agyemang) is not on the picture, but there’s all good intentions.”

But many fans weren’t convinced. The omission reignited long-standing frustrations about visibility and recognition for Black women in sports. “Black women aren’t invisible. Let’s stop erasing them,” wrote journalist and activist Miriam Walker-Khan on X, echoing a wave of social media backlash.

Though the post did include images of other players — including Jess Carter, who recently stepped back from social media due to racist abuse — it was the absence of Agyemang, arguably England’s breakout star of the tournament, that felt most glaring.

As England prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s final at 6pm, fans aren’t just hoping for goals — they’re hoping for accountability and inclusion too. Because when someone helps carry your team to glory, they deserve to be seen.

No crown is complete without every gem.