WORCESTERSHIRE’S Hannah Hampton was crowned the first-ever women’s Yashin Trophy winner at football’s prestigious Ballon d’Or awards.
Hannah, from Studley, is the first recipient of the prize awarded to the best goalkeeper in the women’s game.
The 24-year-old saved two penalties in the shootout as England beat World Champions Spain on penalties to lift the UEFA Euro 2025 title in the summer.
Speaking on stage at the ceremony in Paris, Hampton said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to France Football for this award.
“I don’t think it’s an achievement for me but an achievement for women’s goalkeeping, that the award is finally now taking part.
“I stand on the shoulders of so many great goalkeepers of the past.
“Sitting alongside my fellow nominees, it’s an honour to be part of such an incredible group and the aspiring keepers of the future generation coming through and training so hard.
“I’d love to thank my family, my brother for all the sacrifices that he made when I was growing up, driving me around everywhere so I could fulfil my dream and be here tonight.
“To all the coaches, there’s so many.
“To Sarina [Wiegman] for having the faith and belief in me over the summer, with the success we’ve had.
“To the fans – your support does not go unnoticed and it truly means a lot.
“The women’s game sadly lost the trailblazer Matt Beard recently. Matt was someone who cared an awful lot for the women’s game before no one else did.
“He lit up the room when everyone was in it. Sometimes the brightest smiles in the room hide the heaviest pain. He’ll be greatly missed.
“Finally, grandpa, I love and miss you every day. I hope I made you proud. We did it.”
The Chelsea goalkeeper collected the award from former England shot-stopper Mary Earps.
The award is named in honour of former Soviet Union goalkeeper Lev Yashin, widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport.
Hampton beat Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona’s Cata Coll to the top prize.
Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma won the men’s prize for best goalkeeper.
And, in more recognition for The Lionesses, Wiegman was named ‘Women’s Coach of the Year’ and five of the England squad were named in the top ten individual places for the main Women’s Ballon d’Or prize.
