Sometimes, even in our brightest moments, personal heartbreak quietly follows us onto the biggest stages.
That was the case for England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who recently opened up about the emotional weight she carried during Euro 2025 — all while putting on one of the standout performances of the tournament.
Saying Goodbye Before the Dream Began
Just two days before England kicked off their campaign on July 2, 24-year-old Hampton lost her beloved grandfather.
She kept that heartbreak private during the tournament, but after England’s triumph, she shared her story with fans in a heartfelt Instagram tribute.
“Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left,” she wrote. “It still doesn’t feel real.”
She recalled moments when she instinctively expected to hear his voice again — maybe on a phone call to her grandmother or in the stands — offering one of his signature jokes or quiet, wise remarks.
A Grandfather’s Quiet Influence
Hampton spoke about the profound impact her grandfather had on her life and her journey in football.
She said he believed in her long before she even knew where football would take her.
“You were always there — watching, encouraging, teaching,” she wrote. “You taught me so much, not just about football, but about life.
About staying grounded, working hard, being resilient and doing things the right way.”
One particular memory stood out for her — a phrase he would often say with a smirk: “Only us athletes understand.”
Hampton said he truly got it — he understood what the sport meant to her and what it demanded.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
Hampton didn’t just show up — she delivered when it mattered most.
In the shootout victory against Spain, she denied both Mariona Caldentey and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí from the spot, while Salma Paralluelo missed wide.
That wasn’t her only penalty heroics of the tournament either.
She had already saved two penalties in England’s chaotic quarter-final win over Sweden — making her one of the breakout stars of the summer.
From Backup to Breakout Star
Hampton’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
Just a few years ago, she was serving as backup to Mary Earps during England’s 2022 home-soil Euro victory and again during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Earps herself had become a national hero after saving a penalty in that World Cup final — also against Spain — even though England lost.
Her heroics earned her the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award, beating out stars like Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
Now, according to Betfair, Hampton is tied as the second-favourite to win SPOTY herself — with 5/1 odds — behind only Rory McIlroy, who currently leads after winning The Masters in April.
Carrying His Memory Through Every Match
Hampton’s tribute continued with some of her most emotional words yet.
She spoke of the heartbreak that her grandfather never got to see her walk out in an England kit at a major tournament — something they had spoken about often.
“I wanted to see your face or hear your voice after the game calling back home,” she said.
“I wanted to share that with you.”
But she added that she still felt his presence.
“I felt you with me. In the tunnel. On the pitch. In the tough moments.
I heard you in my head when I needed strength.
I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute. And I always will. I did it. We did it.”
She Wasn’t Alone in Her Grief
Hampton wasn’t the only Lioness playing for a loved one in the sky.
Teammate Ella Toone also shared a tribute after the final, remembering her late father, Nick.
She posted a photo to Instagram, writing that there had been an empty seat next to her mum during the final — and she saw that as a sign her dad was there too.
“To me, that was the sign I was looking for today,” she said.
“My family, my dad, everyone who has got me here today — they’ve been my support network from the very start.”
United by Loss, Driven by Love
Toone also posted a picture with fellow Lioness Beth Mead, who lost her mother June to ovarian cancer 18 months ago.
Their caption read simply: “We did it for our angels in the sky.”
While the Euro 2025 title will be remembered for England’s footballing excellence, what’s clear is that this victory was built on far more than tactics and talent — it was built on love, loss, memory, and the incredible strength of these women.