“It breaks my heart”
England heroine devoted to her deceased grandfather
Updated on July 29, 2025 – 11:52 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
The grandfather of England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton died shortly before the start of the European Championship. After the final victory, she addressed him publicly emotional words.
The triumph at the European Championship was very important for England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton – even away from the square. The 24-year-old devoted the title to her grandfather, who died shortly before the tournament started.
“You went two days before the biggest tournament of my life,” wrote Hampton on Instagram. “It breaks my heart that you couldn’t see me for our country at my first big tournament. You dreamed of that for me.” Again and again they would have spoken about this moment.
In the final against Spain (3-1 after penalty shootout), Hampton played a crucial role on Sunday. She held two penalty and was therefore significantly involved in winning the title. One day after the game she published a photo on social media – the collar of her jerseys was seen, into which the word “Grandpa” (German: Grandfather) was embroidered.
She wrote personal words: deep inside she felt that he had been with her – in the tunnel, on the square, in difficult situations. In my thoughts she heard him when she needed strength. “I hope I made you proud, Grandpa,” continued Hampton. “I wore you every minute. And I will always do that.” Hampton continues: “I did it. We did it.”
The Chelsea player stood in all six tournament games in the English goal. However, her way to the European top was anything but easy. Hampton was born with a serious eye disease. Doctors had advised her to do without football. But she struggled with the national team for the European Championship title-despite several operations and persistent problems with depth perception.