Ballon d’Or: Hannah Hampton wins first-ever Yachine Trophy and pays tribute to Matt Beard | OneFootball

Hannah Hampton lifts Euro 2025 trophy after crucial saves in penalty shootout against Spain

Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton won the inaugural women’s Yachine Trophy at the Ballon d’Or 2025 – and paid tribute to the late Matt Beard in her acceptance speech.

“The women’s game sadly on Saturday night lost a trailblazer, Matt Beard,” she said. “Matt was someone who cared an awful lot for the women’s game before [anyone] else did. He lit up the room when everyone was in it.

“This is just a message to show that [everyone should not] have to go through these dark moments alone. Sometimes the brightest smiles in the room hide the heaviest pain. He’ll be greatly missed.”

Matt Beard’s passing was announced on Saturday evening. He previously coached at Millwall Lionesses, Chelsea, Liverpool, Boston Breakers in the NWSL, West Ham United, and most recently Burnley. He won two Women’s Super League titles and one Women’s Championship across two separate spells with Liverpool.

Hannah Hampton: It’s an achievement for women’s goalkeeping

The Yachine Trophy is named after the legendary Russian goalkeeper Lev Yachine, and was first introduced to the Ballon d’Or ceremony for men in 2019.

The men’s award this year went to Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy, his second triumph after his win in 2021.

Of winning the first-ever Yachine Trophy awarded to a female player – and presented by her England predecessor Mary Earps – 24-year-old Hampton put it in its historical context, saying: “I don’t think it’s an achievement for me, I think it’s an achievement for women’s goalkeeping that the award is finally taking part. I stand on the shoulders of so many great goalkeepers of the past.”

Hampton helped Chelsea to the domestic treble in 2024/25, and played a vital role in the Lionesses retaining the European title in the summer. She got them through a penalty shoot-out against Sweden in the quarter-final, saving two of their seven, and then did the same in the final against Spain.

“Such an incredible group”

Hampton was nominated for the award alongside Ann-Katrin Berger, Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll, Nigeria international Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar.

And hailing her fellow nominees, she said: “It’s an honour to be a part of such an incredible group and inspiring keepers of the future generation and training so hard.”

She also thanked her brother for his support, her coaches at club and international level – including Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor, who looked on from the audience – and also the fans.