England's championship-winning goalkeeper Hannah Hampton finds herself in the spotlight for a different reason tonight, as she vies for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. The 25-year-old Lioness is one of six nominees following her pivotal role in England's triumphant Euro 2025 campaign.
From Penalty Hero to SPOTY Contender
The Chelsea shot-stopper cemented her status as a national icon during last summer's tournament, where she was the hero in two crucial penalty shootouts. Hampton made two decisive saves in the final against Spain, securing the Lionesses' successful trophy defence under manager Sarina Wiegman. Her performances were so exceptional that she was later awarded the Yashin Trophy for the world's best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in September.
Her rise to become England's undisputed number one ahead of the Euros had significant repercussions, contributing to Mary Earps's surprise decision to retire from international football. Hampton had already proven her elite quality by helping Chelsea secure a domestic treble in the previous season.
Controversy and Character: The Earps Autobiography Fallout
Hampton's path to the top has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, her former teammate Mary Earps made headlines with claims in her autobiography, 'All In'. The PSG goalkeeper suggested that Hampton's "bad behaviour" in earlier England squads had been unfairly rewarded with a national team recall.
Wiegman staunchly defended her selection, and Hampton herself addressed the comments last month with notable maturity. Speaking to BBC Sport, she stated, "People are entitled to their opinions. I'm just going to focus on myself... I want to achieve a lot more in the game and I can't dwell on people's thoughts." Her response highlighted a focused mindset as she competes for the SPOTY title against fellow Lioness Chloe Kelly.
Cult Hero Status and the Infamous Water Bottle Incident
Beyond her saves, Hampton endeared herself to fans with a now-legendary piece of gamesmanship during the Euro 2025 final. In a talkSPORT interview, she revealed that she threw the Spanish goalkeeper's water bottle into the crowd to dispose of penalty information written on it. "I thought when she was going in goal, I'd just pick it up and chuck it," Hampton admitted, adding she keeps her own notes on her arm for security.
While Spanish keeper Cata Coll has since playfully refuted the story on social media, the anecdote solidified Hampton's reputation as a witty and determined competitor. "You've got to do something, haven't you?" she quipped about the incident.
Triumph Over Adversity: The Eyesight Challenge
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Hampton's career is her success despite a significant physical challenge. The goalkeeper was born with strabismus, an eye condition that affects depth perception. She underwent several operations as a child, but the condition persists, making everyday tasks like pouring a glass of water difficult.
"I have no depth perception, so I can't judge distances - so being a goalkeeper doesn't really make a lot of sense," Hampton explained after her first England call-up in 2021. Her triumph over this adversity is a testament to her character. She was told from a young age she could not pursue football professionally, a prediction she has spectacularly proven wrong.
As the live voting for BBC Sports Personality of the Year gets underway tonight, Hampton's story is one of exceptional talent, resilience in the face of criticism, and an inspiring ability to overcome physical odds. Her journey from a doubted youngster to a European champion and global award winner encapsulates the spirit the award seeks to celebrate.
