Hannah Hampton’s year keeps getting better, and it’s no wonder the football world is buzzing. On November 25, 2025, the Chelsea and England goalkeeper was crowned BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, a crowning achievement after a season filled with silverware, heroics, and more than a few surprises—on and off the pitch.
The announcement came during the BBC’s Newsday program, but the real magic happened at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground. That’s where Blues boss Sonia Bompastor, never one to shy away from a bit of fun, orchestrated a memorable award presentation. With the squad gathered, Bompastor teased Hampton about her recent birthday, joking, “I was not with you, Hannah. I was sad not to be with you to celebrate your birthday. So I asked my kids if they were you, what they would do for your birthday present. You know what they said? A rabbit. So I just brought a rabbit for you, from home!” What followed was a burst of laughter as Bompastor revealed not a furry companion, but the gleaming BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year trophy. “I was actually expecting a rabbit!” Hampton quipped, clearly taken aback by the playful moment and the honor itself.
Hampton’s humility shone through as she reflected on the award. “I definitely didn’t expect it. With all the other players nominated, I think they’ve all had unbelievable years. I don’t think I did until the final moment when Sonia revealed the trophy,” she told the Chelsea club website. It’s easy to see why the 25-year-old was so surprised—the shortlist was stacked with world-class talent: Spain’s Aitana Bonmati and Patri Guijarro, Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, all of whom played starring roles for club and country this year.
But Hampton’s credentials speak volumes. She started every Women’s Super League fixture for Chelsea last season, keeping 13 clean sheets and helping the Blues lift the league title without suffering a single defeat. Not content with just league glory, she was between the posts for Chelsea’s League Cup final win over Manchester City and another clean sheet in the FA Cup final triumph against Manchester United at Wembley. That’s a domestic treble—an achievement that’s as rare as it is impressive in English football.
“At club level, the season we had last year, the treble-winning season, it’s an unbelievable achievement from the club and nothing less than what they deserve,” Hampton said. Her performances were pivotal to Chelsea’s near-perfect campaign, and her leadership on and off the pitch did not go unnoticed by her manager. Sonia Bompastor was effusive in her praise: “Hannah’s been incredible on and off the pitch since I joined Chelsea, she has been one of our leaders, performing really well. She has been the best goalkeeper in the world and it’s a pleasure to present her with the trophy.”
Hampton’s heroics weren’t confined to club football. She cemented her status as England’s number one after the shock international retirement of Mary Earps, and she didn’t just fill the gloves—she made them her own. At Euro 2025 in Switzerland, Hampton was a wall in goal, starting every match as the Lionesses advanced from their group, edged Sweden in a dramatic quarter-final shootout, overcame Italy in extra time in the semis, and faced Spain in a tense final. With the score locked at 1-1, Hampton’s penalty-saving prowess came to the fore once again, helping England retain their European crown.
“Winning the Euros is special. Being able to put on an England badge is a special and proud moment. You never take it for granted. Even if it’s just around the hotel and you’re wearing the kit, it’s always a lovely moment when you’ve got any sort of England badge on your chest,” said Hampton, who was named Player of the Match in the Euro final. Her saves in the shootouts—two against Sweden in the quarters and two more in the final against Spain—were the stuff of legend, and they secured her place in English football folklore.
The accolades didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, Hampton made history as the first woman to win the Lev Yashin goalkeeper award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, a testament to her status as the world’s best. She also took home the Women’s Kopa Trophy and earned a spot in the FIFPro Women’s World XI, joining the game’s elite.
Hampton’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Currently sidelined with a quad injury, she’s used her time off the pitch to reflect on what it means to be a goalkeeper—a role often described as lonely but rewarding. “Obviously goalkeeping is a position that needs a lot of resilience, it’s a lonely position, but it’s also very rewarding. You could be the hero at moments and you could also be the villain at moments. I want to achieve a lot more in the game and I can’t dwell on people’s thoughts—that’s going to hinder me, not help me,” she explained. She also paid tribute to those who paved the way: “The keepers before me from Carly (Telford), from Karen (Bardsley), from Mary (Earps) even before that, they’ve changed the perception of women’s goalkeeping. It’s definitely taking off and we’re trying to change the perception slowly but surely and make sure it’s being seen in the right light.”
The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, now in its eleventh year, is decided by a global public vote from a shortlist selected by an expert panel of professionals, coaches, and journalists. Hampton becomes the sixth British winner and the fifth from England, following in the footsteps of Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead, and Mary Earps. The award has often gone to stars of the Women’s Super League, with only Ada Hegerberg and Barbra Banda breaking the English dominance in recent years.
Jon Zilkha, Controller of BBC World Service English, summed up the mood: “Hannah’s composure, resilience, and outstanding performances on the pitch make her a truly worthy winner of this award. Each of our nominees has enjoyed an exceptional year, and together they are helping to shape the future of women’s football by inspiring players and fans around the world.”
With her trophy cabinet now overflowing and her reputation firmly cemented, Hampton’s story is far from over. If anything, her latest honor is just another chapter in a career that continues to break new ground, inspire the next generation, and keep fans wondering—what will she do next?
