England soccer heroine Hannah Hampton reveals heartbreak at loss of grandfather
The 24-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper was named player of the match after making two saves in England's 3-1 penalty shoot-out win, a performance that capped a brilliant Women's European Championship
campaign by her
.
However,
posting on Instagram
alongside a picture of her green England goalkeeper shirt with 'grandpa' printed in the neckline, Hampton wrote: 'Dear Grandpa. 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,' Hampton added. '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.'
The Lionesses' shoot-out victory over Spain came after Sunday's match had finished 1-1 following extra time.
___
AP soccer:
https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Chelsea completes the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax
LONDON (AP) — Club World Cup champion Chelsea has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported 37 million pounds ($49 million). The 19-year-old Hato, who has been capped six times by his country, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes the Blues' eighth signing of the summer transfer window. 'I'm very excited,' Hato, who can operate in central defense or at left back, told the Premier League club's website. 'I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I'm very happy.' Hato joined Ajax's academy from hometown club Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract aged 16 four years later. He scored four goals in 111 appearances for the Eredivisie team, with his international debut coming as a substitute in a 6-0 win against Gibraltar in November 2023. Chelsea starts its Premier League season on Aug. 17 at home to Crystal Palace. ___ AP soccer:
Washington Post
6 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Chelsea completes the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax
LONDON — Club World Cup champion Chelsea has completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported 37 million pounds ($49 million). The 19-year-old Hato, who has been capped six times by his country, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes the Blues' eighth signing of the summer transfer window. 'I'm very excited,' Hato, who can operate in central defense or at left back, told the Premier League club's website . 'I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I'm very happy.' Hato joined Ajax's academy from hometown club Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract aged 16 four years later. He scored four goals in 111 appearances for the Eredivisie team, with his international debut coming as a substitute in a 6-0 win against Gibraltar in November 2023. Chelsea starts its Premier League season on Aug. 17 at home to Crystal Palace. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report – Inter Milan Linked Chelsea Star's Situation Up In The Air In The Coming Days
The situation of Inter Milan linked forward Christopher Nkunku is 'up in the air' at Chelsea over the next few days. This according to French outlet RMC Sport, via FCInterNews. Inter Milan have been keeping tabs on the situation of Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. The Nerazzurri have been aware of the opportunity to sign the 27-year-old former RB Leipzig forward for some time. He is a player Chelsea are desperate to sell this summer. Nkunku would cost a fee of around €40 million. That is certainly attainable for Inter. After all, it is what they initially bid for Ademola Lookman. Situation Of Inter Linked Forward Christopher Nkunku 'Up In The Air' At Chelsea PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 24: Christopher Nkunku #18 of Chelsea FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Esperance de Tunis and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on June 24, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by) French outlet RMC Sport report that Nkunku's situation at Stamford Bridge is 'up in the air' at the moment. And this will probably continue to be the case for the next few days. Right now, Nkunku is not in training. This is due to a muscle problem, however, rather than due to any transfer prospects. RMC report that in the next week or so, Chelsea and Nkunku will look to sort out the Frenchman's future.
