Hannah Hampton pays tribute to grandad who died before Euro 2025 in touching post
Hannah Hampton has penned a beautiful tribute to her grandfather following England's Euro 2025 triumph, revealing that he sadly passed away just two days before the start of the tournament.
Hampton, 24, was the Lionesses hero in a dramatic penalty shootout against Spain in Sunday's final, saving two spot-kicks to inspire England to a second consecutive European title.
And she marked the occasion by sharing a poignant post on her Instagram account paying tribute to her late grandfather, who was 'one of her biggest supporters'.
"Dear Grandpa," she wrote. "Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left. It still doesn't feel real. I kept thinking when I'd call nannie I'd hear your voice again - one of your jokes, or one of those little comments you'd make that somehow said everything without saying much at all.
"You were one of my biggest supporters. You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like. You were always there - watching, encouraging, teaching. You taught me so much, not just about football, but about life. About staying grounded, working hard, being resilient and doing things the right way.
"I miss our chats. I miss you saying 'Only us athletes understand' — always with a little smirk like you were in on something special. And you were. You got it. You understood what this meant to me. You understood what it took.
"It breaks my heart that you didn't get to see me walk out for our country at my first major tournament... something you dreamed of for me, something we talked about so many times. I wanted to see your face or hear your voice after the game calling back home. I wanted to share that with you.
"But I know, deep down, you were still there. I felt you with me. In the tunnel. On the pitch. In the tough moments. I heard you in my head when I needed strength.
"I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute. "And I always will. I did it. WE DID IT."
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