Aston Villa and England shot-stopper Hannah Hampton has made a compelling case for international teammate Mary Earps to be in contention for the prestigious Ballon d'Or, signalling a potential watershed moment for women's goalkeepers on the global stage.
In an exclusive interview, Hampton expressed her strong belief that Earps's phenomenal performances for both Manchester United and the victorious England Lionesses have positioned her as a genuine candidate for football's most coveted individual honour. "She has to be in with a shout," Hampton stated emphatically.
A Landmark Year for Women's Goalkeeping
Hampton's endorsement comes during a period of unprecedented recognition for goalkeepers in the women's game. Historically overlooked in favour of goal-scorers, the role of the goalkeeper is finally receiving its due acclaim. Hampton herself is part of this new wave of talent, having earned a recall to the England squad after impressive displays for Aston Villa.
She attributes this shift to a dramatic increase in the overall standard of play. "The level has gone through the roof," Hampton observed, noting that the technical and physical demands on goalkeepers are higher than ever before.
Overcoming Adversity to Reach the Top
The journey for both players adds a compelling narrative to Hampton's prediction. Mary Earps's path to the summit of the sport was far from straightforward. Just a year prior to England's Euro 2022 triumph, she had contemplated retiring from football altogether.
Her perseverance paid off spectacularly. Earps became a national hero during the European Championships, with her crucial penalty save in the final against Germany etching her name into English football folklore. Her consistent excellence for Manchester United has further cemented her status as one of the world's best.
A New Era of Recognition
Hampton's comments underscore a broader movement within the sport towards valuing defensive excellence equally with attacking prowess. A Ballon d'Or nomination for a goalkeeper, particularly one from the women's game, would be a historic moment, challenging long-standing award conventions.
This growing respect is not lost on the players. Hampton's public backing of her rival and teammate highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect among the Lionesses, a key factor in their recent international success. As the awards season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Mary Earps's extraordinary year will indeed be rewarded with a place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, validating Hampton's confident prediction.
