Hannah Hampton’s rise to become England’s hero at Euro 2025 has been described as a fairytale by head coach Sarina Wiegman. Despite doctors’ warnings that she would never become a professional goalkeeper due to a childhood eye condition, Hampton not only reached the tournament but also delivered match-winning performances, including saving two penalties in the final shootout against Spain.
The 24-year-old inherited the No 1 jersey after Mary Earps’ retirement, facing intense scrutiny. However, she proved her mettle with crucial saves throughout the knockout stages, denying Sweden’s Fridolina Rolfo and Italy’s Emma Severini at critical moments. Hampton’s athleticism, command of her box, and bravery—playing on with a bloodied nose against Sweden—cemented her status as the tournament’s standout goalkeeper.
Hampton’s journey included overcoming a difficult period after the last Euros, where she was dropped from the squad and faced reports of attitude issues. She considered quitting but instead worked her way back through club form at Chelsea. Her upbringing in Spain and early experience as a striker gave her excellent technical ability, evident in her accurate distribution during the final.
“It’s a little bit like a fairytale,” said Wiegman after the final, where England led for less than five minutes of the knockout stages but ultimately triumphed. Hampton herself credited the team’s never-give-up spirit, yet it was her saves that kept England alive, aided by a “cheat sheet” on her arm. She finished the tournament as player of the match in both the quarter-final and final.
