How The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Changed Hands
For Mary Earps, the past few years have defined her career in ways few athletes ever experience. She wasn’t just England’s No.1 goalkeeper—she was the backbone of a team that soared to new heights. In 2022 and 2023, Earps was voted The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, a rare double that cemented her among the world’s elite. Yet, as the curtain fell on the 2024-25 season, a new name rose to the top: Hannah Hampton.
FIFA’s annual awards, established in 2017, have become a global showcase for footballing excellence (Sporting News). The selection process is an intricate blend of votes from national coaches, captains, journalists, and fans—an attempt at democracy in a sport often dictated by moments of brilliance and resilience. Mary Earps’ back-to-back wins were no accident; they reflected her command in goal and her leadership during England’s most successful years.
The Rise of Hannah Hampton—and Earps’ Response
In 2025, the spotlight shifted. Hannah Hampton, just 25, became England and Chelsea’s star goalkeeper, earning The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award after a season of extraordinary accomplishments (Besoccer, AOL). Her heroics were pivotal in England’s European Championship defense, and she anchored Chelsea’s domestic treble—a feat that drew praise from coaches, fans, and peers alike.
But Hampton’s ascent was not without tension. In her autobiography, Earps described Hampton as “disruptive and unreliable,” expressing frustration with Sarina Wiegman’s decision to recall Hampton to the national team. Earps felt the move rewarded “bad behaviour,” an accusation that rippled through England’s football community. The result? Hampton displaced Earps as England’s starting goalkeeper, leading Earps to announce her retirement from international play earlier this year.
Hampton, meanwhile, remained gracious in victory, thanking her coaches—Wiegman and Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor—and the fans who fuelled her drive. Her public statements focused on gratitude and ambition: “With club and country, we have achieved so much and there is still much more for us to go and get,” she said, highlighting the collective spirit driving her success.
Legacy and Transition: Earps’ Place in Football History
Mary Earps’ journey to the top was marked by resilience. She claimed The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper title in 2022 and 2023, following England’s landmark triumphs. Her performances were not just technically sound—they were emotionally resonant, inspiring teammates and fans. In a sport where the margins are razor-thin, Earps’ presence brought calm and confidence to the squad.
Her international retirement marks a turning point. For Earps, the challenge is now about redefining her legacy off the pitch—whether through mentorship, punditry, or advocacy for women’s football. The debate over Hampton’s recall and Earps’ criticism of the decision reflect deeper issues in elite team dynamics: How does a team balance loyalty and merit? Is disruptive talent a risk or a catalyst for growth?
The Broader Impact on Women’s Football
The changing of the guard at England’s goalkeeper position is more than a personal story—it’s a reflection of women’s football’s rapid evolution. The FIFA awards themselves have become a barometer for global talent, with winners like Earps, Hampton, and Alyssa Naeher representing different philosophies and styles. As clubs like Chelsea and national teams push toward greater professionalism and visibility, players’ careers are shaped by both performance and personality.
Earps’ candid critique of Hampton’s conduct and Wiegman’s choices sparked discussion about leadership, discipline, and the importance of team chemistry. For younger players, Earps’ career stands as a blueprint: excellence is possible, but so is vulnerability. The transition from star to mentor—or even to outspoken critic—reminds us that football’s greatest stories are not just about trophies, but about the people who chase them.
As Hampton steps into the spotlight, she faces her own challenges: sustaining success, managing expectations, and navigating the scrutiny that comes with being England’s new No.1. Meanwhile, Earps’ legacy remains secure—a testament to grit, skill, and the ever-changing nature of sport.
Mary Earps’ journey illustrates that even the most decorated careers can be shaped by moments of upheaval and transition. Her impact endures, not only in the record books but in the conversations she has sparked about leadership, fairness, and the future of women’s football. As Hannah Hampton rises, the question is not just who is the best today, but how the sport itself will evolve in response to its brightest—and boldest—voices.