Lionesses star Hannah Hampton has revealed that she went through family heartbreak just days before she set off on her Euros journey that saw her star for Sarina Wiegman's side.
The 24-year-old shared that she had lost her grandfather just two days before the tournament was due to start. Her touching tribute came in as the back-to-back champions arrived back on UK soil.
In an Instagram post published after England's arrival at Southend Airport, where approximately 300 supporters gathered to greet the champions, Hampton paid tribute to the man she described as one of her greatest advocates.
The goalkeeper, who proved instrumental in securing England's second consecutive European title, had kept this family tragedy private throughout the competition.
Hannah Hampton revealed the tragedy on social media
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"Two days before the biggest tournament of my life, you left," Hampton wrote in her heartfelt message.
"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," she expressed.
"You believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like. You were always there - watching, encouraging, teaching," she wrote.
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"I miss you saying 'Only us athletes understand' always with a little smirk like you were in on something special."
Hampton's penalty-saving prowess became the defining narrative of England's European campaign. During the quarter-final clash with Sweden, she thwarted two spot-kicks in a dramatic shootout victory.
Her heroics continued in Sunday's final against Spain, where she denied both Mariona Caldentey and Ballon d'Or recipient Aitana Bonmati from twelve yards.
Hannah Hampton played a major role in England's Euro success
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The goalkeeper's performance was completed when Salma Paralluelo sent her penalty wide, securing England's retention of their European crown.
"I hope I made you proud, Grandpa. I carried you through every minute. And I always will. I did it. WE DID IT," Hampton wrote, acknowledging how she channelled her grief into sporting excellence.
Hampton's transformation from understudy to national hero also marks a significant shift, having previously served as backup to Mary Earps during both the 2022 home Euros victory and the 2023 World Cup campaign.
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Hampton's journey to European glory becomes even more extraordinary considering the medical challenges she overcame as a child.
The 24-year-old was diagnosed with strabismus at a young age, a condition affecting depth perception due to misaligned eye movement, later undergoing three unsuccessful operations before her third birthday.
Medical professionals advised her parents that sporting pursuits would be inadvisable. The condition's severity meant she struggled with basic tasks like pouring water without spillage.
Hannah Hampton was told to not pursue sports by medical professionals
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Yet Hampton refused to accept these limitations. "I think I've always gone through life trying to prove people wrong," she reflected. Despite suffering frequent nosebleeds and finger fractures from misjudging ball flight, she persisted with football.
"Finding that out made me more determined to reach the highest level possible. Playing sport was always my passion and my dream," she explained.