Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2025. The winner of the BBC World Service accolade was revealed on BBC Newsday on Tuesday 25 November.
Hampton received the award in a surprise presentation from her Chelsea FC head coach, Sonia Bompastor, alongside the BBC’s Maz Farookhi.
The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award is determined by a global public vote. An expert panel of current and former players, coaches and journalists draw up a shortlist of five outstanding performers from the past 12 months, before fans around the world choose the winner.
Hampton becomes the eleventh recipient of the BBC World Service award. Previous winners include Barbra Banda (2024), Mary Earps (2023), Beth Mead (2022), Vivianne Miedema (2021), Lucy Bronze (2020 & 2018), Ada Hegerberg (2019 & 2017), Kim Little (2016) and Asisat Oshoala (2015).
I am fully on board with this award. This has been a breakthrough year for someone who has shown much promise in her young career. I am very happy that Hampton could be between the sticks for the Lionesses for another decade to come. Anyone who wants to surplant her will need to be something special.
Hampton’s triumph follows her recognition as the world’s best female goalkeeper at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Her penalty-saving heroics were central to England’s Euro 2025 victory, including two decisive saves in the final against Spain and two more in their quarter-final win over Sweden.
At just 24, Hampton has already amassed an impressive honours list: two Women’s Super League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, two European Championships, and a World Cup final appearance.
She also played a crucial role in Chelsea’s domestic treble last season—lifting the FA Cup, League Cup, and securing the Women’s Super League title after an outstanding unbeaten campaign.
Reacting to the award, Hampton said: “I definitely didn’t expect it. With all the other nominees, I think they’ve each had unbelievable years. I don’t think it felt real until the final moment when Sonia revealed the trophy.”
Reflecting on her standout moments this year, she added: “Winning the Euros is special. Wearing the England badge is something you never take for granted. Even walking around the hotel in kit, it’s always a proud moment to have that badge on your chest.
“At club level, last season’s treble was an unbelievable achievement for the team—and fully deserved.”
Speaking about her position, Hampton said: “Goalkeeping demands resilience. It can be isolating, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You can be the hero or the villain in an instant. I want to keep improving, and I can’t let other people’s opinions hold me back. The keepers before me—Carly Telford, Karen Bardsley, Mary Earps—have transformed how women’s goalkeeping is seen. We’re continuing to shift perceptions and ensure the position gets the recognition it deserves.”
Hampton topped a shortlist featuring some of the biggest names in the women’s game: Aitana Bonmatí (Spain/Barcelona), Mariona Caldentey (Spain/Arsenal), Patri Guijarro (Spain/Barcelona) and Alessia Russo (England/Arsenal).
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor said: “Hannah has been incredible on and off the pitch since I arrived. She’s one of our leaders and consistently performs at the highest level. She has been the best goalkeeper in the world, and it’s a pleasure to present her with this trophy.”
Jon Zilkha, Controller of BBC World Service English, added: “Congratulations to Hannah on becoming BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2025. Her composure, resilience and exceptional performances make her a truly deserving winner. All our nominees had remarkable years, and together they continue to inspire fans and help shape the future of the women’s game.”
