England Goalkeeper Dedicates Euro 2025 Title to Late Grandfather
England women’s national team goalkeeper Hannah Hampton paid tribute to her grandfather, who passed away two days before England won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title.
The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in England’s back-to-back European Championship victory by saving two penalties in the final against Spain on Sunday.
Hampton posted a heartfelt message along with a photo of her goalkeeper jersey, which had the word “Grandad” printed on the inside of the collar.
She wrote on Instagram on Monday:
“Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left.”
According to the BBC, Hampton said:
“You taught me so much—not just about football, but about life as well—about being realistic, working hard, being resilient, and doing things the right way.”
She added:
“It saddens me that you didn’t get to see me represent our country in a major tournament for the first time, something you dreamed of for me and that we talked about so much… but deep down I know you’re still here.”
She continued:
“I felt your presence with me in the tunnel to the dressing rooms, and on the pitch. In the tough moments, I could hear you in my mind when I needed strength.”
She concluded:
“I hope I made you proud, Grandad. I carry your memory with me in every moment, and I always will.”
