England star Hannah Hampton WINS top Ballon d'or prize and pays touching Matt Beard tribute

England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been named the best women's goalkeeper in the world at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. Hampton, 24, won the Yashin Trophy on Monday night.

Hampton enjoyed an incredible 2024/25 season with club and country. She won a historic domestic treble with Chelsea, before playing a vital role in the Lionesses ’ European Championship success.

Hampton used her acceptance speech to pay tribute to Matt Beard, the former Liverpool Women manager who died on Saturday aged 47. Hampton said: "The women's game sadly on Saturday lost a real trailblazer, Matt Beard. Matt was someone who cared an awful lot for the women's game when no one else did.

"He lit up the room when everyone was in it. And this is just a message to show that not everyone should have to go through these dark moments alone. Sometimes the brightest smiles in the room hide the heaviest pain. He'll be greatly missed."

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Beard lifted the Women's Super League crown twice during his initial stint at Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 - and also claimed the Women's Championship trophy in 2022. Liverpool confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday.

Hampton began her speech by saying: "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 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, I'm proud to be a part of such an incredible group and inspiring future generations of goalkeepers coming through and training so hard.

"I'd like to thank my family, my brother who is here tonight, for the sacrifices that you made when I was growing up, driving me around everywhere so that I could fulfil my dream and be here tonight.

"To all the coaches, there's so many, from Frosty at Stoke, to all the coaches at Birmingham, all those at Villa, at Chelsea with Emma and Strew bringing me in, and now with Seb, Dan and Sonia having to put up with me on a daily basis. To Sarina and Dan for having the faith 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.

"Finally, to Grandpa. I love and miss you everyday. I hope I made you proud. We did it."

Hampton saved two of Spain's penalties in the shootout of the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland. The Lionesses won 3-1 on penalties to defend their crown and manager Sarina Wiegman was named women's coach of the year.

"What an honour to get this award after a very special summer, and even more of an insane tournament we had at the Euros in Switzerland," said Wiegman. "First of all I would like to thank the players, the staff, the FA and my family for the hard work, the trust and the unconditional support. Without you I would not be standing here.

"The women's game has grown so far we have broken records. I would also like to thank Switzerland for organising the Euros because it was absolutely insane.

"This is not just a personal honour. I see it as a recognition of the women's game, of our journey and where we have come so far.

"With that recognition we have to take responsibility and try to keep our identity. Being authentic, being inclusive, a place where everyone belongs. I hope we will keep fighting together against misogyny and racism. Sport should always unite and never divide."

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