Hannah Hampton has criticised how women goalkeepers are portrayed in the media, saying mistakes are amplified while strong performances are often overlooked, following her win of the Women’s Super League Golden Glove for a second consecutive season with Chelsea F.C. Women.
Speaking at the WSL awards ceremony, the England international said female goalkeepers face disproportionate scrutiny compared to the recognition they receive for positive displays. “Women’s goalkeepers always get scrutiny, but when we do something right, there is not enough celebrating or acknowledgement,” she said, as reported by BBC Sport.
Hampton, who helped the England women’s national football team win Euro 2025 and retain their European Championship title, where she produced key penalty shootout saves, said media coverage often highlights errors rather than development in the women’s game. She also went on to be named the world’s best female goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
“The media have a big impact. If a goalkeeper makes a mistake, they are the first to put video clips out there and tarnish reputations,” she said, adding that women’s football should be supported rather than undermined.
Her career has also included setbacks, including being dropped from the England squad in 2022 after Euro success amid reports concerning her conduct. She returned to the national team in 2023 under manager Sarina Wiegman after resolving personal issues. She has since spoken about the emotional impact of criticism and at one point considered quitting football.
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps also previously criticised Hampton in her autobiography, raising concerns about reliability and behaviour during that period.
Despite this, Hampton said goalkeeping pressures are best understood by those in the position and praised fellow keepers for their performances, singling out Sophie Whitehouse of Charlton Athletic Women, whose progress she believes deserves more recognition ahead of Charlton’s promotion play-off against Leicester City.
