England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has revealed that her grandfather passed away just two days before the start of Euro 2025, as she paid an emotional tribute following the Lionesses' victory over Spain in Sunday's final.
The 24-year-old, who started her first major tournament after replacing Mary Earps, was the hero of the shootout, saving two penalties to set up Chloe Kelly's decisive spot-kick. Hampton wore 'Grandpa' on her England shirt throughout the tournament, and in an Instagram post she described her grandfather as one of her biggest supporters.
“Dear Grandpa. Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left,” she wrote. “I kept thinking when I'd call nannie I'd hear your voice again. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like. It breaks my heart that you didn't get to see me walk out for our country at my first major tournament.”
Hampton added that she felt her grandfather's presence during the tournament. “I heard you in my head when I needed strength. I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute, and I always will. I did it. We did it.”
England's victory was watched by a peak TV audience of 16.2 million across the BBC and ITV, making it the most-watched moment of 2025. The team celebrated at a reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday evening, with head coach Sarina Wiegman calling for further investment in women's football. A homecoming open-top bus parade is scheduled for Tuesday in central London.
