“Doctors Told Her She Shouldn’t Play Football. Now She’s England’s Goalkeeper”: Hannah Hampton’s Inspiring Rise to Euro 2025

June 2025 — London — For most athletes, rising to represent their country at the highest level is a dream that takes years of sacrifice, focus, and belief. But for Hannah Hampton, that dream came with an even bigger challenge: she was told by doctors that she shouldn’t be playing football at all.

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Doctors told her she should not play football. Now she’s England’s goalkeeper .Hannah Hampton on overcoming a serious eye condition to rise to become England’s number one goalkeeper at Euro 2025.

Now, the 24-year-old is England’s number one goalkeeper at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, standing tall as an inspiration to countless young players across the country. Her journey is not just about talent—it’s about strength, resilience, and proving the doubters wrong.

Born with an Eye Condition

Hannah Hampton was born with strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not align properly. For her, this affected her depth perception—something that’s especially critical for a goalkeeper.

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As a child, doctors advised her parents that competitive sports, especially football, might not be safe or realistic. They worried her vision could impact her ability to judge fast-moving balls and put her at risk of injury.

But Hampton, even as a young girl, wasn’t ready to accept those limits.

“I always loved football,” she said in a recent interview. “It was something I couldn’t imagine not doing. I knew I had to find a way to make it work.”

Early Struggles and Relentless Determination

Growing up in Birmingham, Hannah played football with boys in her neighborhood. She was often overlooked and told she couldn’t compete at their level—not just because of her eye condition, but also because she was a girl in a male-dominated environment.

Still, she trained harder than anyone else. Her parents supported her dream, driving her to sessions and eye treatments. Over time, she learned to adapt her game to manage her visual limitations.

“I had to focus a lot more on my positioning and timing,” she said. “If I couldn’t rely on my depth perception like other players, I had to be smarter and faster in other ways.”

Breakthrough in Club Football

Hampton’s professional journey began with Aston Villa, where she rose through the youth ranks and made her senior debut at just 16. Her performances caught the attention of Birmingham City, where she developed further and gained recognition as one of the top young goalkeepers in England.

By 2021, she had earned a move to Chelsea FC Women, where she thrived under high-level coaching and alongside some of Europe’s best players. Her quick reflexes, calm demeanor, and confident distribution became her trademarks.

Overcoming Setbacks

Despite her success, Hannah’s career has not been without setbacks. Injuries, inconsistent form, and public scrutiny tested her mental strength. But her resilience always shone through.

In 2023, she was left out of the Women’s World Cup squad, a decision that hit her hard. But instead of giving up, she used it as fuel.

“I was disappointed, of course,” she said. “But I knew it wasn’t the end. I went back, worked harder, and stayed ready.”

The Call to Lead England at Euro 2025

Fast forward to 2025, and Hannah Hampton is now the starting goalkeeper for the Lionesses at Euro 2025. England manager Sarina Wiegman praised her leadership, work ethic, and ability to rise in high-pressure moments.

“Hannah has shown incredible growth,” said Wiegman. “She’s not just a great goalkeeper—she’s a role model for anyone who’s ever been told they’re not good enough.”

Her performances in the group stage have been nothing short of excellent, including a standout save in England’s win over France that kept their tournament hopes alive.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Hannah is now using her platform to inspire others. She regularly speaks at schools and events, especially encouraging young girls and children with disabilities or medical conditions not to give up on their dreams.

“I want kids to know that limitations don’t define you,” she said. “Doctors told me I couldn’t play football. Now I’m playing for England. Anything is possible.”

On social media, fans have flooded her with messages of support, calling her “a real-life hero” and “proof that anything is possible.”

Looking Ahead

As England moves forward in the tournament, expectations are high. But Hannah Hampton remains grounded.

“I’m focused on doing my job—saving goals, supporting my teammates, and enjoying every moment,” she said. “I know how far I’ve come, and I’m proud to be here.”

Whether England wins the title or not, Hampton’s story is already one of the most powerful narratives of Euro 2025. It’s a reminder that football is not just about skill, but about heart, perseverance, and fighting through the odds.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Footballer

Hannah Hampton’s journey from a young girl with an eye condition to the top of European football is a story of hope and resilience. She is not just England’s number one goalkeeper—she is a symbol of what’s possible when you refuse to accept limits.

As the Euro 2025 tournament continues, her gloves are ready, her heart is full, and her message is clear: never stop believing in yourself.