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England keeper Hampton awarded honorary doctorate

Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands
News imageUniversity of Wolverhampton A graduation-style official photo of Hampton with long blonde hair holding a white scroll and wearing a red and yellow gown. She is smiling in front of a grey background.University of Wolverhampton
Hampton said she felt "incredibly fortunate" to receive the honour from the university

England and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been awarded an honorary doctorate in sports science by the University of Wolverhampton.

The university said the award acknowledged an "outstanding contribution to sport" by Hampton, who saved two penalties in the shootout as the Lionesses won Euro 2025 by beating Spain.

The honour recognised her "exceptional achievements in football and her inspirational impact on young people across the region and beyond".

The 25-year-old said she felt "incredibly fortunate" to be given the doctorate.

Hampton, who grew up in Studley, Warwickshire, and Burntwood, Staffordshire, added: "As a proud Midlander I feel lucky to have spent my formative years at home in Birmingham and the surrounding counties".

"To see so many influential individuals both in and out of the public eye, and to call the region home really is special."

The news comes in the same week it was revealed the former Aston Villa and Birmingham City goalkeeper signed a new two-year deal with Chelsea.

News imageUniversity of Wolverhampton Hampton is standing side on to the camera at a mainly black lectern that includes a black microphone. She is wearing a red and yellow gown and looking down, in front of a black background.University of Wolverhampton
The award acknowledged Hampton's "outstanding contribution" to sport and role in inspiring the next generation of athletes, the university said

After joining from Villa in 2023, she has won five trophies during her time in west London.

Hampton was also part of the England squad that won Euro 2022 and reached the 2023 Women's World Cup final.

The player was named the best female goalkeeper in the world, as she won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or awards last year.

News imageGetty Images Hannah Hampton saves the second penalty from Spain in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 final match between England and Spain. She is pictured mid-jump with her hands stretched out in front of the football.Getty Images
She saved two penalties when England won the Uefa Women's Euros in 2025 by beating Spain on penalties

The award recognised Hampton "as a positive ambassador for women's football", the university said.

Born with strabismus, "an eye condition that can affect depth perception and vision, she overcame significant challenges to reach the very highest level of her sport", the university said.

"Her success serves as a powerful example to aspiring athletes and young people facing their own barriers and setbacks."

The university said it had strong links with women's football through its programmes and partnerships and Hampton's success "serves as an inspiration to the next generation of footballers studying and training at the university".

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