From having to pay to play, the heavy defeats, the hard recovery from a career-threatening injury, to the success, becoming the record caps holder for the women’s team and being awarded a BEM by Buckingham Palace – the 37-year-old really has been there and done it through the tough times and the good.
She epitomises Northern Ireland’s journey in the shape of one player, and that’s why it was so special.
“As a defender you don’t expect to score Northern Ireland’s first goal at a major finals,” admitted Nelson, who is now the oldest player to score at a Women’s Euros.
“I had to do a double take as I saw the goalkeeper scrambling. I’d no time to celebrate, everybody just jumped up on me.
“It was such a proud moment. My family were here as well. It was an incredible moment for myself but also for the team.”
Her defensive partner Sarah McFadden, who made her debut a year after Nelson, added: “It couldn’t happen to a better person”.
“It was incredible, absolutely incredible. Julie Nelson is the face of women’s football in Northern Ireland. We are really proud of her, she really deserves it and has worked really hard to be here.”