LONDON, Sep 20 (Alliance News):Hannah Hampton, Chelsea and England’s national team goalkeeper, defied daunting odds after being diagnosed with a serious vision condition at just 11 years old.
Doctors warned her that she could never pursue careers as a brain surgeon, pilot, or professional athlete. Yet, against all expectations, she has emerged as one of the world’s leading goalkeepers.
In an interview with CNN Sport, Hampton shared her inspiring journey, which began with multiple eye surgeries at Birmingham Children’s Hospital before the age of three.
Born cross-eyed, she explained, “They’re not completely fixed,” and noted that she struggles with depth perception—a critical skill for athletes reliant on hand-eye coordination.
Recalling a team dinner during Chelsea’s preseason tour in the U.S., Hampton laughed about an incident where she accidentally soaked the table while pouring drinks, a reminder of her ongoing challenges.
At five, Hampton’s family moved to Spain, where her love for football blossomed while watching Villarreal play with her father. Her earliest memories involve playing with a ball on the sidelines of her brother’s games, leading her to realize football was her passion.
Initially unaware of women’s football, she dreamed of being the first woman on the England men’s team until discovering the women’s squad, which quickly became her goal.
Despite her struggles in other sports—like frequently injuring herself while playing basketball—Hampton’s parents chose not to discourage her from pursuing football.
They supported her passion, allowing her to chase her dreams as long as it brought her joy.
Hampton started as a forward at Villarreal’s youth academy before transitioning to goalkeeper upon returning to England at Stoke City Centre of Excellence.
Her remarkable journey is a testament to resilience and determination, proving that with passion and support, even the most challenging odds can be overcome.
