Is Hampton the Next Women's Footballer of the Year?

Hannah Hampton, a prominent contender for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, has made headlines for her exceptional performances as a goalkeeper, particularly during England's triumphant Euro 2025 campaign. Her remarkable skills, including her notable penalty-saving abilities, have solidified her reputation in women's football and contributed to her being named the world's best female goalkeeper at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Hannah Hampton has emerged as a key player for both Chelsea and the England women’s national team. Following her outstanding performances during Euro 2025, where her penalty saves were instrumental in securing the title for England, she continues to be a central figure in discussions about the future of women’s football in the UK. With her impressive track record, Hampton is not only a role model for aspiring players but also a testament to overcoming personal challenges, such as her early eye condition that could have hindered her career.

Key takeaways

Hampton was named the world's best female goalkeeper at the 2025 Ballon d'Or.
She played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2025 victory, saving crucial penalties.
Hampton contributed to Chelsea’s unbeaten Women’s Super League season, achieving 13 clean sheets.
She has won multiple titles, including two Women's Super League championships and two European Championships.
Hampton's unique technique, including the 'power step,' enhances her penalty-saving skills.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the years, Hannah Hampton has built a remarkable career, marked by notable achievements and milestones:

2000: Hannah Hampton born.
2019: Begins to make a name for herself at Chelsea.
2021: Wins the FA Cup with Chelsea.
2022: Wins the Women’s Super League title.
2023: Wins the League Cup with Chelsea.
2025: Named the world’s best female goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or.
2025: Key performance in Euro 2025, leading England to victory.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Hampton's recent accolades and performances have sparked renewed interest in her techniques and training methods, particularly her ability to save penalties under pressure. As the season progresses, more analysts are focusing on her unique 'power step' technique, which contributes significantly to her agility and effectiveness as a goalkeeper.

What was already established

Prior to her recent successes, Hampton was already recognised for her contributions to Chelsea's squad and her potential as a future England number one. Her early challenges, including her serious eye condition, have been well-documented, illustrating her journey and resilience in professional sports.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of players like Hampton has elevated the profile of women's football in the UK, leading to increased viewership and attendance at matches. Families are now more likely to engage with women's sports, creating a positive ripple effect in communities across the country.

Businesses and jobs

As women's football gains popularity, businesses are increasingly investing in sponsorships and partnerships with teams and players. This trend is fostering job creation in marketing, coaching, and sports management, contributing to the overall growth of the sports sector in the UK.

Policy and regulation

The success of teams like Chelsea and national teams is influencing policy discussions regarding funding and support for women's sports. Increased visibility and success are prompting calls for equitable funding and resources, which could lead to significant changes in how women's football is supported at all levels.

Numbers that matter

13 clean sheets during the 2022-2023 Women’s Super League season.
Two European Championships won by England, with Hampton playing a key role in both tournaments.
Seven penalties saved in major competitions throughout her career.
Percentage of shots saved during Euro 2025: approximately 80%.
Average attendance for women's matches has risen by 20% in the last year.

Definitions and jargon buster

Ballon d'Or: An annual football award presented by France Football, recognising the best male and female players.
Women’s Super League (WSL): The top tier of women’s football in England.
Power step: A technique used by goalkeepers to cover ground efficiently when diving for penalties.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans can expect continued analysis of Hampton’s performances as Chelsea competes in domestic and European tournaments. Watch for her techniques being studied by aspiring goalkeepers and coaches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the football season progresses, Hampton's influence on the game is likely to increase, with potential endorsements and media opportunities emerging as her profile rises.

Signals to watch

Upcoming matches in the Women’s Super League and European competitions.
Media coverage focusing on Hampton’s techniques and training sessions.
Public engagement metrics, including social media interactions and attendance figures at women’s matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Support women’s football by attending matches and engaging with teams.
Encourage young girls to participate in sports, promoting inclusivity.
Follow the latest developments in women’s football to stay informed about players and teams.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of women’s sports on community engagement and culture.
Ignore the training techniques and strategies used by successful athletes.
Dismiss the importance of role models like Hampton in inspiring the next generation.

Checklist

Check local listings for upcoming women’s football matches.
Engage with community sports programmes for girls.
Follow women’s football news outlets for updates on players and teams.
Learn about different goalkeeper techniques and drills.
Support initiatives aimed at promoting women’s sports in schools.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Hampton's performance has set a high standard, the intense scrutiny and pressure may impact her future performances. Additionally, as women's football continues to evolve, factors such as injuries, team dynamics, and competition levels can influence outcomes in forthcoming tournaments.

Bottom line

Hannah Hampton represents a new era of talent in women's football, showcasing resilience and skill. Her journey highlights the importance of overcoming personal challenges, and her role in Chelsea and England serves as an inspiration for young athletes. The growing popularity of women’s football in the UK is a testament to the changing landscape of sports, encouraging further investment and support for future generations.

FAQs

What achievements has Hannah Hampton accomplished in her career?

Hannah Hampton has won multiple titles including two Women's Super League championships, the FA Cup, and two European Championships, showcasing her talent and consistency.

How did Hampton perform during Euro 2025?

During Euro 2025, Hampton was pivotal in England's success, saving crucial penalties and maintaining impressive clean sheets throughout the tournament.

What is the 'power step' technique used by goalkeepers?

The 'power step' is a technique where a goalkeeper takes a large step towards the side they intend to dive, allowing them to push off effectively and cover more ground.