Chloe Kelly doesn’t need time to think about what she’s still aspiring to. The question is barely out of my mouth when she answers, immediately ready with her reply: “I want to win a World Cup. And a WSL.” A beat follows, and then: “And I want to be the best version of me every day.” The ambition isn’t surprising from a player who has become known and loved for her confidence, talent, bold (sometimes provocative) personality, and her undeniable ability to win. It was Kelly who scored the winning goals in not one but two Euros finals to secure back-to-back trophies for the Lionesses, and last year she helped Arsenal to victory in the Champions League. But it’s not enough. She already has her sights set on the next challenge.

This winning mentality is at the centre of Kelly’s new campaign with adidas, which today announced its signing of the football star. Alongside a campaign video featuring Kano, the partnership will see Kelly wearing adidas F50 Sparkfusions on-pitch this year. It’s the shoe that she would wear playing football as a child, and a shoe that has now been redesigned to support the performance requirements of the female body, reflecting how much the game has changed for women in the last few years. 

Dazed spoke to Kelly ahead of the announcement about who she would swap wardrobes with (spoiler: it’s herself), trying to beat her husband at paddle and why she loves sitting in the dark.

What’s your first memory of adidas?

Chloe Kelly: The F50S I had when I was a kid. They were gold, white and see-through, they were so good. I’m going to ask my mom to find them, actually. She’ll have them at the house. They’ll be tiny. I was probably about eight to ten. I picked them out myself, of course. They were so good. I always liked the ones that looked the best. 

Who’s had the most impact on you in terms of your style? Now or when you were growing up. 

Chloe Kelly: I really like the way Jules Koundé dresses. He’s really cool. Him and Héctor Bellerín are two footballers who really showed the world that football and fashion can come together. Growing up, I just loved wearing a tracksuit [laughs]. So anyone who had a tracksuit on or a football kit.

Who would you swap wardrobes with?

Chloe Kelly: Myself [laughs]. I like the way I dress.

Is there a fashion trend you regret trying?

Chloe Kelly: I have no regrets in life.

You never look back on pictures and think, ‘I’m not sure what I was thinking?’

Chloe Kelly: No, I’m proud of where I’ve come from [laughs]. Scott [Moore, husband] took the mick out of me when I used to wear my snapback backwards when we first met, but I’ll still do that now, so…

If you could be the GOAT at any other sport. What sport would it be?

Chloe Kelly: Padel. I’m learning. I just want to beat Scott, to be honest. I played three times, so I’m new and I’m growing. Some days I’m good, some days not so good. Sometimes I get angry and I want to smash them paddles about! When I get frustrated, I just want to hit it hard.

What’s your favourite goal that you’ve scored?

Chloe Kelly: The goal I scored for Everton against Bristol City. It was just a special goal. I remember the feeling of that hitting the back of the net. I felt unbelievable, and then two minutes later, I scored again so it gave me confidence. It’s one of the goals that made my career better, I’d say, in terms of growing, being able to make a big move. That goal helped me to do that. So that’s one that always sticks with me. 

How do you make yourself comfortable in a football kit?

Chloe Kelly: Wear it with a smile. Everything I wear, I wear with confidence and a smile.

If you could build your dream female footballer, what features would you take from who?

Chloe Kelly: The footwork of Aitana Bonmatí. The speed of [Salma] Paralluelo or Lauren Hemp. Shooting Les [Alessia Russo]. Game IQ, I go with Aitana again, and for power Miche [Michelle Agyemang]. 

What are your top tips for young strikers?

Chloe Kelly: Confidence, enjoyment. I feel like I have my best games when I’m having fun. So enjoyment, confidence and play free. 

Do you have any tips for taking penalties? You have such a signature technique.

Chloe Kelly: Back yourself. Finding what works for you, and it takes failure to learn that. I had plenty of misses, but [it’s about] learning on the way and what works for me. A lot of practice.  

If you could play on a team with anyone, either a current player or someone who’s retired, who would it be?

Chloe Kelly: I’d play again with Kelly Smith, learning from her in training was special. Aitana, I’d like to play on the same team as her and learn from her every day in training.

Leah Williamson says you’re the one to watch on a night out. What song gives you the most confidence to get out on the dance floor?

Chloe Kelly: I reckon she says that because I remember everything, because I don’t drink. I listen to all genres. I just don’t like cheesy music. I like Burna Boy. I listen to his music a lot. I like AJ Tracy, Wretch 32. I’m listening to Kano a lot in the gym or pre-game.

What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

Chloe Kelly: I don’t like new shoes on the table and I have to put my left boot on first.

What advice would you give your younger self to help you overcome your fears?

Chloe Kelly: The hardest moments shape you so enjoy the process.

What’s one thing you have to pack when you're travelling for a tournament or an away match? 

Chloe Kelly: I have this lucky eye that my nan and granddad got me when I was like six, and it’s always in my suitcase. It broke, and I glued it back together, and I’ve put it in cling film.

What’s a guilty pleasure that you have?

Chloe Kelly: I like sitting in the dark. I feel like it just makes me happy. I reflect. Not for long. But I’ll sit there, I won’t put the TV on. Just reflect.

What’s been your most satisfying win?

Chloe Kelly: The Champions League against Barca, just because they’re so good, so it was mentally draining.

This campaign is all about confidence and attitude. How do you remain confident ahead of big games?

Chloe Kelly: I think knowing your strengths and thinking back on times where you’ve been successful, that helps me. I’ll watch clips of times where I’ve done something well, and that gives me confidence. 

The campaign is also being provocative. Do you take some enjoyment from winding people up, especially in celebrations or on the pitch?

Chloe Kelly: No, I just celebrate the moment for what it is, not to get in someone’s head. I get enjoyment out of winning. I celebrate, but not to annoy people. Only if I’m playing Scott in FIFA, and I’m beating him, then I'll celebrate to wind him up!