Hannah Hampton’s Remarkable Journey
During the Euro 2025 shootout against Spain, Hannah Hampton saved a penalty from Aitana Bonmatí, a two-time women’s Ballon d’Or winner. As Bonmatí prepared to kick, Hampton extended her arms and successfully blocked the powerful shot.
Reflections After the Match
“Better pens than the last time, let’s be honest!” Hampton remarked, referencing her earlier experience in a tense shootout against Sweden in the quarter-finals. In that match, she had also saved two penalties.
Hampton’s Unusual Path
This tournament was exceptional for Hampton, who only became England’s primary goalkeeper in May after Mary Earps’ retirement. Her penalty-saving accomplishments are even more astonishing considering doctors once told her that her eye condition would prevent her from playing football.
Strabismus and Depth Perception Issues
Hampton was born with strabismus, requiring surgery at a young age to correct her eye alignment. Despite the operations, she struggled with depth perception and often missed targets due to her eyes not coordinating properly, as diagnosed during a check-up at Stoke City when she was 12.
Adapting to Challenges
Children with limited depth perception adapt by using other cues to gauge distances, although tasks needing precise vision, like threading a needle, can be challenging. Hampton’s natural talent and excellent hand-eye coordination have likely aided her in overcoming these difficulties in football.
Adjustments Made on the Field
Throughout her career, Hampton has learned to adjust her hand positioning to prevent injuries, although collisions still occur, as seen when she played against Sweden. Her ability to read subtle cues from penalty takers may also enhance her goalkeeping skills, compensating for her depth perception issues.
The Science Behind Goalkeeping
In his book, Prof. Daniel Memmert discusses the psychology behind penalties. He explains that a striker’s body movements can reveal the intended direction of the shot. By controlling their positioning slightly off-center, goalkeepers can create a sense of space that may influence where the striker aims, providing a strategic edge.
