Wiegman and Hampton honoured as England dominate Ballon d’Or stage

England’s triumphant summer at Euro 2025 was reflected at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, where Sarina Wiegman was crowned Women’s Coach of the Year and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton picked up the inaugural Yashin Trophy, Sport360NG reports.

Wiegman, who steered the Lionesses to their second European crown in three years, saw off competition from Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers to land the award. The 55-year-old Dutchwoman guided England past Spain in a dramatic final in Switzerland, clinching the title 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Hampton was central to that triumph. The 24-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper denied two Spanish spot-kicks in the shootout and was rewarded in Paris with recognition as the world’s best shot-stopper. She finished ahead of Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar and former Chelsea keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

England’s influence was felt across the evening. Five Lionesses ranked inside the top 10 for the main Ballon d’Or Féminin: Alessia Russo (3rd), Chloe Kelly (5th), Leah Williamson (7th), Lucy Bronze (9th) and Hampton (10th). Arsenal, fresh from lifting the Women’s Champions League, were named Women’s Club of the Year.

Teenage striker Michelle Agyemang, whose goals powered England through the knockout rounds, missed out on the Kopa Trophy for best young player, which went instead to Spain and Barcelona winger Vicky López, 19.

Wiegman: “This is a recognition of our journey”

Accepting her award, Wiegman reflected on both England’s success and the wider growth of women’s football.

“What an honour to be recognised after such a special summer,” she said. “This is not just about me, it’s about our players, our staff, the FA, and my family. It’s also about how far the women’s game has come. We have broken records, inspired people, and shown what is possible.”

The England manager also addressed the need to preserve football’s values amid its growth. “We must remain authentic, inclusive, and united,” she added. “I hope we continue to stand together against misogyny and racism. Sport should unite, never divide.”

The award carried personal significance for Wiegman, as it is named after Dutch legend Johan Cruyff. “He believed in the power of sport and in giving every child the chance to play,” she said. “That’s a vision I deeply connect with.”

Hampton: “I stand on the shoulders of great goalkeepers”

For Hampton, the evening was both historic and emotional. The Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper, was presented to a female player for the first time, by none other than former England No.1 Mary Earps.

In her speech, Hampton paid tribute to former Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham manager Matt Beard, who died aged 47 on Saturday. “The women’s game lost a true trailblazer,” she said. “Matt cared about women’s football when few others did. He’ll be deeply missed.”

Hampton also shared her personal journey, revealing how she defied medical advice to pursue football despite a serious eye condition. “Doctors told me not to play. I had surgeries but still live with depth perception issues. To stand here now shows what’s possible.”

She dedicated the award to her family, coaches and late grandfather. “This is not just my achievement, it belongs to women’s goalkeeping as a whole,” she said. “I hope tonight inspires future generations to keep chasing their dreams. Grandpa, I hope I’ve made you proud.”