English football celebrated a historic evening in Paris as Lionesses' coach Sarina Wiegman and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton scooped prestigious awards at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony. Their incredible achievements on the world stage were formally recognized, consequently cementing a golden era for the national team. Wiegman claimed the world's best women's coach award, while Hampton made history by winning the first-ever Yashin Trophy for a female goalkeeper.
This dual triumph highlights the exceptional talent driving England's success. Furthermore, it places both manager and player at the absolute pinnacle of the sport. Let's delve into their remarkable accomplishments.
Sarina Wiegman: The Architect of Success Wins Top Coaching Honour
Sarina Wiegman’s incredible impact on the Lionesses was honoured as she received the Johan Cruyff Trophy for the world's best women's coach. This prestigious award is a testament to her tactical brilliance and unparalleled leadership.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Wiegman's award follows her masterminding England's second consecutive European Championship victory in the summer of 2025. Remarkably, this was her third Euros title in a row, having also led the Netherlands to glory in 2017. Her success also marks a staggering fifth major tournament final in succession. This is a record for any coach in either men's or women's football. During her speech, Wiegman thanked her players and staff for their hard work. In addition, she spoke powerfully about the growth of women's football and the shared responsibility to fight against discrimination.
Hannah Hampton Claims Inaugural Women's Yashin Trophy
In a landmark moment for the sport, Chelsea and England's Hannah Hampton was crowned the winner of the inaugural Women's Yashin Trophy. This award finally recognizes the world's best female goalkeeper, and Hampton is a truly deserving first recipient.
A Season of Superlatives
Hampton's win was secured by a series of world-class performances for both club and country. Crucially, she was the hero in England's Euro 2025 final victory over Spain, saving two decisive penalties in the shootout. Her domestic season with Chelsea was equally spectacular. She played a key role in the club securing a domestic treble, which included:
- The Women's Super League title
- The Women's League Cup
- The Women's FA Cup
Across all competitions, she impressively kept 21 clean sheets.
A Poignant Dedication
Receiving the award from former Lioness Mary Earps, Hampton delivered a moving acceptance speech. She paid tribute to the late Liverpool manager Matt Beard and dedicated the win to her grandfather. Hampton stated that the award was a victory for women's goalkeeping as a whole, honouring the greats who came before her.
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Strong Showing for England's Stars
The success didn't stop with Wiegman and Hampton. Indeed, the Ballon d'Or rankings reflected the incredible depth of talent within the Lionesses squad. Several other English players featured prominently in the voting for the Ballon d'Or Féminin.
Alessia Russo finished in third place, with Chloe Kelly close behind in fifth. Meanwhile, Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze were recognized in seventh and ninth positions, respectively. To cap off a fantastic night for English football, Arsenal was also named the women's club of the year.
A Monumental Moment for the Lionesses
In conclusion, the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony was a monumental event for England. The top awards for Sarina Wiegman and Hannah Hampton, combined with strong rankings for their teammates, underscore the nation's current dominance in women's football. These accolades are not just individual triumphs; they represent the collective effort, dedication, and soaring ambition of the entire Lionesses setup. As a result, the future looks incredibly bright for this remarkable team.
