England and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton finds herself among the elite finalists for the prestigious 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. The shot-stopper, a pivotal figure in the Lionesses' recent success, will compete against five other British sports stars, including international teammate Chloe Kelly, at Thursday's ceremony.
From Euros Glory to Personal Accolades
Hannah Hampton cemented her status as a national hero during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. As the starting goalkeeper for the England Lionesses, she played a crucial role in the team's triumphant campaign. Her defining moment came in the final against Spain, where she emerged as the penalty shootout hero, making two decisive saves to secure the trophy for England. Her performance was so outstanding that she was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Her exceptional year was recognised on the global stage when she received the inaugural Yashin Trophy for the world's best female goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or awards. Domestically, she was the joint-winner of the Women's Super League Golden Glove award for the 2025 season, keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets.
Controversy and Commanding Presence
The path to becoming England's number one was not without its drama. Hampton took over the coveted jersey from the 2023 SPOTY winner, Mary Earps, early in 2025. This succession sparked a public rift, with Earps suggesting that England manager Sarina Wiegman had "rewarded bad behaviour" by promoting Hampton, whom she alleged was a disruptive influence in training.
On the pitch, Hampton is known for her aggressive and commanding style within the penalty area, coupled with exceptional shot-stopping ability. Her competitive edge was famously displayed during the Euro 2025 final when she was spotted discarding the water bottle of Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll, which reportedly contained notes on how England players took their penalties.
A Profile Primed for Stardom
Beyond her sporting achievements, Hampton's rapidly rising profile has caught the attention of media analysts. They suggest her marketability could see her secure endorsement deals on a scale similar to British tennis star Emma Raducanu. Despite her growing fame, Hampton maintains an extremely private personal life and is not currently in a publicly confirmed relationship.
Her club career has also flourished. After a high-profile move from rivals Manchester City, she helped Chelsea Women secure a domestic treble during the 2024/25 season, adding significant silverware to her already impressive collection.
As the nation tunes in for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, Hannah Hampton stands as a compelling contender. Her journey from a controversial succession to a trophy-laden, history-making year defines the making of a modern sporting superstar.
