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 the occasion to pay tribute to Matt Beard, the former Liverpool Women manager who died on Saturday aged 47. Hampton said: “Thank you to France Football for this award.

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“It’s an achievement for women’s football, not just me. I’d like to thank my family, my brother, for driving me around when I was little.

“The women’s game lost Matt Beard on Saturday. He lit up the room whenever he was with it. Sometimes the brightest smiles hide the biggest pain. And thank you Grandpa! I love you, and we did it!”

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