Hannah Hampton's journey to becoming a Euro 2025 champion with England is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering self-belief. Overcoming early career challenges and personal obstacles, Hampton has risen to become a key player for both Chelsea and the Lionesses. Her performance in the Euro 2025 final against Spain, where she saved two crucial penalties in the shootout, solidified her place as a national hero and earned her the Player of the Match award.
Hampton's early life presented unique challenges. Born cross-eyed, she underwent multiple operations before the age of five to correct her eyesight. Despite these efforts, she still couldn't judge distances perfectly, a factor that doctors initially believed would prevent her from pursuing a professional sports career. However, Hampton was determined to defy expectations. "I was determined to not let people tell me what I can and can't do and prove them wrong," she asserted.
Her club career began at the Villarreal CF academy in Spain, where she played as a striker before moving back to England and joining the Stoke City and Birmingham City academies. She then played for Birmingham City and Aston Villa before joining Chelsea.
Hampton's international career has also been marked by perseverance. She received her first competitive call-up for England's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying games in October 2021. She made her senior debut in February 2022, starting in a 0-0 draw against Spain in the Arnold Clark Cup. Hampton was part of the England squad that won the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.
Despite these successes, Hampton has faced setbacks and criticism. She acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with negative fan sentiment, admitting that it was "hurtful at times". However, she remained focused on giving her all for the team and proving her doubters wrong.
The retirement of Mary Earps from international football just weeks before Euro 2025 presented Hampton with a significant opportunity. England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed confidence in Hampton, signaling that she was the frontrunner to be England's No. 1 goalkeeper for the tournament. Hampton seized the moment, delivering outstanding performances throughout the competition.
In the Euro 2025 quarter-final against Sweden, Hampton was named Player of the Match after making two saves in regular time and two more in the penalty shootout, even after suffering a nosebleed. Her heroics continued in the final against Spain. After a tense 1-1 draw, the match went to penalties. Hampton saved consecutive penalties from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati, turning the shootout in England's favor. Chloe Kelly then scored the winning penalty, securing the European Championship title for England for the second time in a row.
Hampton's performance in the final was lauded by fans, coaches, and teammates alike. She was named Player of the Match for her crucial saves and composure under pressure. Despite the high stakes, Hampton admitted that she "completely lost track" of the penalties during the shootout and had to ask the crowd for clarification. "When Chloe stepped up I turned around to the fans, miming a kick and trying to ask if we score do we win, I'd completely lost track," Hampton told the BBC.
Her journey from facing doubts about her vision to becoming a Euro-winning hero is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. "All the comebacks I've had from so many setbacks, yeah I've always had to prove people wrong," Hampton reflected. Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance, resilience, and self-belief in achieving one's dreams.
