England’s triumphant European Championship victory over Spain might be in the history books, but one cheeky moment from the final is still stirring debate.
A playful claim by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton about snatching and tossing away her rival’s penalty notes has now sparked a mini social media investigation — and even the Spanish keeper herself has weighed in.
Hampton’s Match-Winning Brilliance
In the nail-biting penalty shootout, Hampton was nothing short of sensational.
She denied two of Spain’s biggest stars — Mariona Caldentey and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati — from the spot.
When Salma Paralluelo missed her chance, England’s title defence was sealed, and Hampton’s standout campaign was confirmed.
The “Cheat Sheet” Story
After the celebrations, Hampton revealed an amusing behind-the-scenes detail.
She claimed she had spotted a water bottle belonging to Spanish keeper Cata Coll, taped with notes on where England players might shoot.
According to Hampton, she casually picked it up and threw it into the English crowd so Coll couldn’t use it.
Coll Responds with a Wink
When Hampton’s interview made the rounds, Coll jumped on X (formerly Twitter) to cheekily dismiss the claim.
“Okay, okay, calm down, calm down.
At least if it were true…” she teased — leaving fans wondering if the whole thing was more banter than fact.
The Social Media Detective Work
Not everyone was ready to take Hampton’s word for it.
One Spanish social media user posted a detailed “investigation,” highlighting stills from the broadcast.
In their version, Coll’s bottle was wrapped in a towel for the entire shootout, always at her goalpost.
They argued Hampton may have mistaken one of several unwrapped bottles for the real one.
Was It Just a Lighthearted Joke?
Some fans thought the fuss was unnecessary. Maybe, they suggested, Hampton was having a laugh.
Others proposed she might have genuinely believed she’d grabbed the right bottle, only to toss a spare branded one into the stands instead.
Hampton Explains the Moment
Speaking to talkSPORT, Hampton recounted the scene in her own words:
“The Spanish keeper had it on her bottle, so I thought, when she’s going in goal, I’d just pick it up and chuck it into the English fans so she can’t have it.
I don’t ever put it on a bottle — I put it on my arm.”
Presenter Sam Matterface, incredulous, asked: “Picked up her bottle and threw it?”
Hampton laughed: “Yeah, it wasn’t hard.
When she’s gone in the goal, it’s on its own, in the towel.”
Coll’s Confused Search
Hampton revealed that Coll returned to her towel only to find a replacement bottle — planted there by Hampton — but no notes.
“She was so confused,” Hampton said. “I was just trying not to burst out laughing.”
Recognition for a Star Performance
Regardless of the bottle mystery, Hampton’s goalkeeping heroics have earned her a nomination for the prestigious Yachine Trophy at this year’s Ballon d’Or.
She’s also sitting third in the betting for BBC Sports Personality of the Year at 15/2, behind fellow Lioness Chloe Kelly and Masters golf champion Rory McIlroy.