England champion Hannah Hampton pens gut-wrenching tribute after grandfather died days before Euro 2025
The 24-year-old was named player of the match after making two saves in England's 3-1 penalty shoot-out win over Spain in the final, a performance that capped a brilliant tournament..
The following day Hampton shared a picture of her jersey with 'Grandpa' printed in the neckline and penned a gut-wrenching tribute.
'Dear Grandpa, two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left,' Hampton wrote.
'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.'
Hampton said the grief struck again after the final, knowing she would not be able to celebrate with her beloved grandfather.
'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.'
Matildas stars Sam Kerr and Emily Gielnik were among the many current and former teammates to offer support to Hampton.
England star Ella Toone wrote: 'He'd be so proud Han and watching down every step.'
Hampton's performances earned plaudits throughout the tournament while her extraordinary journey also made headlines.
The goalkeeper was told she should not play football after being born with a serious eye condition (strabismus) that has required multiple operations in her lifetime.
She still struggles with depth perception today but it has not been a barrier to reaching the very top of her sport.
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