Chelsea and England star Hannah Hampton has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2025, following an exceptional run of performances across the 2024–25 season. The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2025 honour highlights her impact for Chelsea’s treble-winning team and her heroics at Euro 2025.
Hampton produced one of her finest club campaigns, recording 13 clean sheets in 22 WSL matches, which played a major role in Chelsea’s sweep of domestic trophies.
Her influence grew even stronger on the international stage. After stepping into the role of England’s first-choice goalkeeper, she delivered match-deciding penalty saves against Sweden and Spain during England’s successful Euro title defence.
Alessia Russo finished second in the vote, while Aitana Bonmati took third place.
Hampton Reacts to Winning the Award
Hampton admitted she never expected her name to be called. “I definitely didn’t expect it with all the other players nominated,” she told BBC Sport. “I think they’ve all had unbelievable years.”
Her win makes her only the second goalkeeper to receive the award.
Responding Calmly to Recent Criticism
The goalkeeper has faced scrutiny following comments made by Mary Earps in her autobiography. Earps suggested Sarina Wiegman encouraged “bad behaviour” by selecting Hampton in 2023 and described her as “disruptive and unreliable.”
Hampton chose not to escalate the matter. “People are entitled to their opinions. People can say whatever they want to say. It’s down to myself whether I want to let that affect me. I definitely know it’s not going to.”
She added: “I’m not going to sit here and knock people for what they have to say, that’s their life, that’s their judgement.”
Euro 2025: The Turning Point
England’s road to another European title required two penalty shootouts, and Hampton stepped up in both moments. Against Sweden, England clawed back from 2–0 down. Hampton then kept out two penalties in a tense shootout.
In the final, she denied Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati to secure England’s 3–1 win. “It was my way of giving back to the team,” she said.
“It was my moment to be like, this is what I can do for you guys.”
Playing Through Personal Grief
Hampton revealed the tournament carried deeper emotions, as she received news of her grandfather’s passing shortly before Euro 2025 began.
“When I then got the news about my grandad, that gave me that extra push,” she said. “I think people forget that we are just human beings.”
Despite her loss, she maintained composure and delivered her strongest international performances.
Shaping the Future of England Goalkeeping
Taking over the England No.1 shirt came with significant pressure, but Hampton embraced the responsibility.
“It still doesn’t quite sink in that people call you England number one,” she said. “Women’s goalkeeping has definitely taken off.”
She credited long-serving names like Carly Telford, Karen Bardsley, and Mary Earps for elevating the position.
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