England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has revealed a tribute to her late grandfather that she wore throughout the Euro 2025 tournament.
Hampton was one of the England heroes as they successfully retained their European Championships title on Sunday. They overcame World Champions Spain via a penalty shootout, with Hampton saving two of the Spanish spot kicks.
It was the second shootout success during the tournament for the Lionesses, after overcoming Sweden in the same way at the quarter-final stage.
READ MORE: FA issue England manager warning ahead of Euro 2025 final vs Spain
READ MORE: Chloe Kelly net worth, salary and England Euro 2025 hero's beautiful wedding to husband Scott
Following the victory over Spain, Hampton has shared a picture on her Instagram account showing "Grandpa" written in the inside of her shirt. Alongside the picture, she wrote an emotional message.
"Dear Grandpa, two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left," she 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. 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."
Fellow Lionesses Esme Morgan and Beth Mead were quick to show their support to their teammate by responding with heart emojis in the comments section. Aggie Beever-Jones also replied with: "Immensely proud Han."
You may also like
NDMC announces month-long drive from Aug 1 to boost civic pride, patriotism
Naidu hopes for continued cooperation with Singapore for Amaravati development
Marcus Rashford's humiliating Barcelona debut compounded by painful Michael Carrick remark
Hannah Hampton's emotional hidden tribute as England stars support Lioness
Chief of War on Apple TV+: Everything you need to know about Jason Momoa's 10-year passion project