Hannah Hampton is the British hero of Euro 2025, saving two penalties in a shootout, but she was told she could not pursue a career in football as a youth
Hannah Hampton saved the day against Spain for the UK in the Euro final – and her journey to the top was not easy.
Hampton locked out two penalties as the Lioness defended the European crown, and made a major stoppage from Esther Gonzalez and Claudia Pina in normal times. The Chelsea stopper justified Sarina Wigman’s decision to create the UK’s number one keeper ahead of Mary Earps, even if she disagrees with the call.
They were big shoes to fill, but for Hampton it was absolutely fine.
More forward, however, the condition may have stopped before it began after Hampton’s football career. She had been diagnosed with strabismus, an eye condition that affects the perception of depth, but she couldn’t stop her from chasing her dreams.
“I was told that I couldn’t play football from a young age, that it wouldn’t be a profession I could pursue, but here I am,” Hampton told the BBC earlier this summer.
read more: Lioness Celebration Live: The England Party will be till 4am after homecoming plans confirmedread more: Pizza, Karaoke, Champagne: England English Lioness celebrations will be held until 4am as a Stars Party
Her path to top was not easy in multiple ways, but the Euro 2025 run is a testament to the resilience of the 24-year-old. She saved two penalties in a shootout against Sweden in the quarterfinals, including a sensational suspension that transformed Sofia Jacobsson’s efforts into posts.
And in the final, she put in effort from Mariona Caldentety and Aitana Bonmati, and Chloe Kelly clears up the winning spot kick.
But Hampton’s best and most important moments came even early in the tournament.
In a must-see group game with the Netherlands, her perfect pass-out to perfect Alesia Russo helped Lauren James begin the opening move that opened up the scoring goals in a 4-0 England victory. Without that, Lioness might have found himself going home long before Hampton produced those heroics in the knockout round.
“Every player has one story and a journey, and she’s incredible,” said Vigman, the boss of England. “We started the tournament, lost the first game, there was a lot of riding in every game, and there were five finals.
“She had to step up. I think she was amazing. Stopping these two penalties in the final is like a fairy tale.”
Hampton emphasized that the run to glory was a team effort, and after the finals he said, “We’re not going to die, we went on and did it today.”
But the team’s efforts would not have been possible without two things – Wigman gives her support to the young keeper, and Hampton delivers.
The England manager made many big decisions towards the tournament and continued that path in Switzerland.
Her decision to call teenage forward Michel Aggieman had a bold call throughout the tournament itself, scoring key goals against Sweden and Italy.
The England manager has had many losses in supporting Hampton to Euro 2022 winner Earps, but the courage to call is part of why she is now celebrating another sensational victory.
Join the new WhatsApp community and receive a daily amount of mirror football content. We also treat community members with special offers, promotions and advertising. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, you can read the privacy notice.
Lioness will take it home again – Souvenir Edition
The legend of Salina Wigmann made history and brought football home once more after defending the title and winning the Euro 2025 in Switzerland. We have produced this special souvenir edition of women’s football news.
It’s packed with interviews with lionesses, special features, match-by-match paths to glory, and dozens of fantastic images. Click here to buy
