Ex-Aston Villa keeper and West Brom fan Hannah Hampton named world's best with latest award
Former Aston Villa keeper and West Brom supporter Hannah Hampton has been named as the FIFA Women's goalkeeper of the year.
The 25-year-old, who went to school in Chasetown, played a big role in Chelsea winning the treble last season - before going on to help England defend their Euro 2025 title in the summer.
And now she has won the coveted FIFA praise, alongside Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma, who scooped the men's prize.
Speaking after the announcement, Hampton thanked England boss Sarina Weigman as well as Chelsea's Sonia Bompastor for having belief in her.
She said: "With club and country, we have achieved so much and there is still much more for us to go and get.
"To the fans, both club and country, your support doesn't go unnoticed.
"We hear you cheering every single game loud and proud and it helps push us on to go and get the win for you all. So, thank you very much."
The awards came after after the two keepers picked up the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or in September.
Hampton hit the headlines back in the summer and started every game of the Euros - playing a starring role as English beat Spain on penalties in the final.
Speaking to the Chelsea club website, the goalkeeper added: “Thank you very much to everyone who voted. It is greatly appreciated and really means a lot.
“Thank you to Sarina and Sonia for the belief in me this year. With club and country, we have achieved so much and there is still much more for us to go and get.
“To the fans, both club and country, your support doesn’t go unnoticed. We hear you cheering every single game loud and proud and it helps push us on to go and get the win for you all. So, thank you very much.”
