England and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been honoured with one of football's top individual accolades, being named The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper for 2025.
A Year of Triumph for Club and Country
The 25-year-old shot-stopper enjoyed a phenomenal year, playing a pivotal role in two major successes. Last summer, her exceptional performances were crucial as the Lionesses successfully defended their European Championship title. At club level, Hampton was instrumental in helping Chelsea secure a prestigious domestic treble.
Expressing her gratitude via Chelsea's official website, Hampton said the recognition meant a great deal. She extended thanks to the voters and her coaches, England manager Sarina Wiegman and Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor, for their belief in her.
"With club and country, we have achieved so much and there is still much more for us to go and get," Hampton stated, also paying tribute to the fans whose support "helps push us on."
SPOTY Nomination Caps Remarkable Week
The FIFA award is not the only honour coming Hampton's way this week. She has also been shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, with the winner set to be announced at Thursday's ceremony. This positions her for a potential double celebration.
Her rise to the pinnacle of the game follows a period of significant scrutiny. Hampton's path to becoming England's undisputed number one was marked by public criticism from the player she replaced, Mary Earps.
Overcoming Controversy to Reach the Top
In her autobiography, Earps labelled Hampton as "disruptive and unreliable" and suggested manager Sarina Wiegman had rewarded "bad behaviour" by recalling her to the national squad. Hampton subsequently displaced Earps as the first-choice goalkeeper, a decision that led to Earps announcing her international retirement earlier this year.
Despite the off-field noise, Hampton's performances between the posts have spoken loudest, culminating in this ultimate global recognition for a goalkeeper.
Donnarumma Claims Men's Award Ahead of City Move
On the men's side, the award was claimed by Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 26-year-old Italian international enjoyed a stunning final season with Paris Saint-Germain, playing a key role in their historic quadruple, which included a first Champions League triumph of his career.
Despite that success, Donnarumma secured a £26 million summer move to Manchester City. Upon receiving the award, he expressed his pride at being named the best in the world ahead of other top goalkeepers and looked ahead to achieving more success with his new club.
The awards cement the status of both Hampton and Donnarumma as the premier goalkeepers in world football as 2025 draws to a close.
