England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's emotional speech after winning the 2025 Yashin Trophy has gone viral on social media.
On Monday evening, the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony got underway at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, as several of the biggest players in the sport were celebrated with prestigious awards.
Although many will be focused on the winner of the 2025 men's Ballon d'Or trophy, there were several other awards handed out across the night.
In a historic moment, England and Chelsea women's goalkeeper Hampton became the first woman ever to be given the Yashin Trophy, with Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma taking home the men's award.
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But it wasn't just Hampton winning the award that has earned her praise, as fans have taken to social media to also thank her for the touching tribute she made during her acceptance speech.
Just days before the Ballon d'Or ceremony, former Liverpool manager Matt Beard died at the age of 47.
The manager led the Reds to to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014.
And as she took the stage to accept her award on Monday night, Hampton took the opportunity to pay tribute to Beard and offer support to anyone struggling with their mental health.
She said: "The women's game sadly on Saturday lost a real trailblazer, Matt Beard. Matt was someone who cared an awful lot for the women's game when no one else did.
"He lit up the room when everyone was in it. And this is just a message to show that not everyone should have to go through these dark moments alone. Sometimes the brightest smiles in the room hide the heaviest pain. He'll be greatly missed."
Reacting to the moment, one fan wrote on X: "Beautiful speech and a lovely tribute to Matt Beard, class act Hannah Hampton."
Elsewhere in her speech, the 24-year-old highlighted the significant that the decision to award the of the Yashin trophy to women as well as men will have.
She added: "I don't think it's an achievement for me but for women's goalkeeping, that the award is finally now taking part.
"I stand on the shoulders of so many great goalkeepers of the past. Sitting alongside my fellow nominees, I'm proud to be a part of such an incredible group and inspiring future generations of goalkeepers coming through and training so hard."
England manager Sarina Wiegman was also named women's coach of the year at the awards on Monday night and also took time in her speech to speak about the rise of the women's game and the challenges it still faces.
"With that recognition we have to take responsibility and try to keep our identity. Being authentic, being inclusive, a place where everyone belongs. I hope we will keep fighting together against misogyny and racism. Sport should always unite and never divide," she said.
Topics: Ballon d'Or, England, Womens Football, Chelsea, Sarina Wiegman, Womens Super League
Ben McCrum