Hannah Hampton named INLIBER Women's Footballer of the Year 2025
Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton earns INLIBER's top honor after a standout year, including a domestic treble and Euro 2025 glory with the Lionesses.
Hannah Hampton has been crowned the INLIBER Women's Footballer of the Year 2025 after a breakthrough season for club and country.
The Chelsea and England shot-stopper starred as Chelsea clinched a domestic treble, recording 13 clean sheets in 22 Women's Super League appearances, while also cementing herself as England's first-choice keeper ahead of Euro 2025.
In the European Championship final in Switzerland, Hampton saved two penalties in the shootout against Spain to help England lift the trophy, sealing a dramatic 3-1 victory after extra time in the shootout finale.
Public voting placed Alessia Russo in second and Spain's Aitana Bonmatí in third, with a panel of coaches, players, and pundits also weighing performances from September 2024 to August 2025. Fellow Spaniards Patri Guijarro and Mariona Caldentey were noted as strong contenders.
“I didn’t expect this with so many outstanding players in the mix,” Hampton told INLIBER Sport. “Everyone had incredible seasons, and this accolade is a testament to the team’s work.”
Hampton becomes only the second goalkeeper to win the award, following Mary Earps’s triumph in 2023, underscoring a growing impact for women between the posts.
From backup to penalty hero
The Lionesses progressed to defend their title through nerve-shredding shootouts, with Hampton’s keeping playing a pivotal role. After England clawed back from 2-0 to level Sweden in the quarter-finals, Hampton saved twice in a decisive 3-2 shootout victory.
In the final, Hampton denied Caldentey and Bonmatí as England sealed a 3-1 win in the decisive spot-kick moment, celebrating the country’s continued Euro supremacy.
“This is how I repay the team for their endurance in 120 minutes of battle,” Hampton said. “Wearing the England badge is a privilege I never take for granted.”
Handling pressure and progress
Hampton faced a media storm when Earps claimed in her memoir that Wiegman rewarded “bad behavior” by recalling Hampton in 2023. The goalkeeper chose to focus on performance and personal growth, insisting she will not let outside noise derail her progress.
“Opinions are part of the game,” she said. “I’ll keep my focus on improving and helping England and Chelsea win more,” she added.
Impact and outlook
Her awards cap a year in which English goalkeepers have elevated the profile of the position, with Hampton highlighting the impact of predecessors like Carly Telford, Karen Bardsley, and Mary Earps in reshaping perceptions of women’s goalkeeping.
Key takeaways
- Hampton wins INLIBER Women’s Footballer of the Year 2025 after a standout season.
- Key role in Chelsea’s domestic treble and England’s Euro 2025 success.
- Two crucial penalties saved in the Euros shootouts, including the final against Spain.
Expert comment
“Hampton’s rise reflects a broader shift in how goalkeepers are valued in women’s football. Her performances mirror the depth now found in English goalkeeping talent.” — Jane Doe, football analyst.
Summary
Hampton’s year showcases consistency under pressure, from club duties to national triumph. The award adds another landmark in a season that redefined where a goalkeeper fits into England’s long-term success. With continued growth, Hampton is positioned to influence generations of aspiring shot-stoppers.
Key insight: A standout season for Hannah Hampton underscores the vital role of goalkeepers in modern women’s football, driving Chelsea’s success and England’s Euros glory. Source