Two goalkeepers taking the limelight in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

The UEFA Women’s EURO is underway, with each nation selecting twenty-three players to head on the plane to Switzerland. However, there can only be one goalkeeper in the starting eleven. With the evolution of women’s football, the number of goalkeepers is rising, finally putting their vital role in the limelight.

In the quarter finals of the competition, four entertaining yet dramatic matches unfolded: England, Spain, Italy, and Germany progressing to the final four. Two of these fixtures went down to the wire, with the sides being separated by a penalty shootout.

After one-hundred-and-twenty minutes of football, the pressure mounts on a goalkeeper. With a major tournament trophy at stake, it is all or nothing for the number ones.

Penalty shootouts: all or nothing

England and Germany did not progress to the last four the easy way. In the most dramatic fashion, they drew level against their opponents, leaving it all down to spot kicks.  

For the Lionesses, fans feared they would exit the competition in the final eight; they were 2-0 down to Sweden in the seventieth minute. However, the youngest and eldest players in the squad secured two comeback goals: Michelle Agyemang and Lucy Bronze. Coming down to a penalty shootout, England edged Sweden with a terrific save from Hannah Hampton, pushing them to sudden death. Her presence between the sticks and diving accuracy kept her nation in the tournament.

Meanwhile, despite an early red card for Kathrin Hendrich in the thirteenth minute of the quarter final, and several defenders sidelined with recent injuries, Germany drew level against France. A remarkable performance from their ten players on the pitch left it all to spot kicks. Without number one showcasing some unbelievable saves against a strong French attack, the Germans would more than likely have been heading back home. Ann-Katrin Berger made some crucial stops, one even being noted as the ‘save of the tournament’. Her experience and passion in the net are unmatched and pushed Germany through to the semi-finals.

England’s Number One

Lionesses’ goalkeeper, Hampton, has several accolades to her international career: being a FIFA Women’s World Cup finalist, a European Champion, and now England’s number one. Following the shock retirement of teammate, Mary Earps, ahead of this summer, Hampton worked her way into the net. Head coach, Sarina Wiegman, cannot speak highly enough of the goalkeeper. Her attitude to learning, intense focus, and determination to succeed make her the perfect role model to her teammates.

However, not only is Hampton impressing on a global level, but also domestically. With Chelsea FC Women, the goalkeeper played every minute in their domestic treble winning season. With a heavy match schedule during the 2024/25 season, this is a remarkable amount of time spent on the pitch. In the Barclays Women’s Super League awards, she achieved the joint golden glove with Manchester United goalkeeper, Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

In the quarter finals, the Swedish side was a formidable force and threatened England consistently. Due to consistent saves, accurate passing, and excellent communication, Hampton inspired the Lionesses to the final four. Her performance in the penalty shootout gave her teammates the belief and power to press forward and fight for every ball, despite some heavy legs.

As a child, Hampton suffered a severe eye condition that threatened her career as a footballer. From being told that her impaired vision would prevent her from becoming a professional, to shining on the international stage, Hampton’s story is nothing short of incredible and inspiring. With a place in the EURO final on Sunday, can the goalkeeper follow In Earps’ footsteps and lift the trophy as England’s number one?

Germany’s experienced shot-stopper

Germany’s number one is an inspiration, due to the challenges faced both career-wise and in her personal life. In the past few years, she experienced a whirlwind of emotions and difficulties. In 2017, she overcame thyroid cancer, and in 2022 she beat this for the second time. However, this did not end her career for her country.  

After her recovery, she secured multiple titles with Chelsea: three Adobe Women’s FA Cup trophies, and a runner up place in the UEFA Champions League, to name a few. Following her outstanding career with the English Champions, Berger moved to the States to join Gotham FC. In no time, she became the National Women’s Soccer League goalkeeper of the year. Her technical ability and precision are qualities desired in any number one, and therefore make her one of the best in the world.  

On the international stage, Berger is an experienced member of the German squad. There are also several global achievements to her name: a EURO runner up medal, an Olympic bronze medal, and the award for the German Women’s footballer of the year. Known for her prowess saving spot kicks, Hampton even joked in a recent interview, “please teach me Ann”. Berger’s unmatchable talent is recognised by her peers and opposition, making her an inspiration for goalkeepers globally.

Despite making numerous crucial saves in the penalty shootout against France, the Germans fell short in the semi-final. World Champions, Spain, did not perform with as high an intensity as expected. However, Ballon d’Or winner, Aitana Bonmatí reminded the nation of her clinical brilliance with a late winner in extra time. Although this loss will feel underserved for a German side who put their heart and soul into the semifinal fixture, this takes nothing away from Berger and arguably her best performances in a major tournament of her lifetime.