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Hannah Hampton is now the second favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award following her penalty shootout heroics that helped England secure back-to-back European Championships.
The 24-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper was the standout star as the Lionesses beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final in Basel, following a gripping 1-1 draw after extra time.
Hampton denied Mariona Caldentey and Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí from the spot, before Salma Paralluelo fired wide, sealing a dramatic and historic victory for Sarina Wiegman’s side. It was Hampton’s second shootout masterclass of the tournament and arguably her most defining moment yet in an England shirt.
What makes her rise even more extraordinary is the fact she was third-choice just two years ago. Hampton served as an understudy to Mary Earps during England's Euro 2022 win on home soil and again at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where Earps was widely praised for her performances. Now, the spotlight has shifted, and Hampton is front and centre as England’s latest goalkeeping icon.
Her sensational form and growing public profile have seen her surge up the betting markets. According to Betfair, Hampton is now joint second favourite at 5/1 to win SPOTY 2025, tied with Lando Norris, who recently thrilled motorsport fans by winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Golf superstar Rory McIlroy remains the frontrunner at Evens, following his victory at The Masters in April, his fifth career major and first ever Green Jacket. McIlroy has never won SPOTY, despite multiple nominations, and is widely tipped to break that streak if his form continues.
England celebrated by hoisting the trophy – Credit Reuters
Teenage darts prodigy Luke Littler sits at 9/1, while England captain Lucy Bronze (15/2) and fellow Lioness Leah Williamson (16/1) are also in the mix following their standout tournament performances.
The Lionesses’ latest triumph has reignited the nation’s love affair with women’s football, and Hampton’s unshakable composure under pressure has made her a household name almost overnight. Social media has been flooded with praise for the Birmingham-born star, with fans calling her the “queen of shootouts” and comparing her to legendary keepers such as David Seaman and Hope Solo.
BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year is traditionally awarded in December and voted for by the public. If Hampton’s star continues to rise and her performances remain consistent in both domestic and international football, she could become the latest Lioness to walk away with the coveted trophy, following in the footsteps of Beth Mead, who won in 2022.
