This was the first year in which the honour for the world’s standout goalkeeper recognised women’s players, and Hampton became the maiden winner after claiming a domestic Treble with Chelsea and helping England retain the European Championship.

Hampton had several people to thank after being handed the award, from those at the beginning of her career to the Chelsea coaches she has worked with since arriving at the club from Aston Villa in 2023.

She also paid tribute to Beard, who coached Chelsea between 2009 and 2012 and played a key role in the development of the women's game in England.

‘I’d like to say a massive thank you to France Football for this award,’ began Hampton. ‘I don't think it's an achievement for me, I think it's an achievement 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 alone with my fellow nominees. It's an honour to be a part of such an incredible group and the aspiring keepers of the future generation coming through and training so hard.

‘I'd love to just thank my family, my brother who's here tonight, for all the sacrifices that you made growing up, driving me around everywhere so I can fulfil my dream and be here tonight.

‘To all the coaches: there are so many. But from Frosty at Stoke to all the coaches at Birmingham, at Villa, at Chelsea, with Emma (Hayes) and Stu (Searle) bringing me in, and now with Seb (Brown), Dan (Smith) and Sonia (Bompastor) having to put up with me on a daily basis!

'To Serena (Wiegman) and to Darren (Ward) for having the faith and belief in me over the summer, with the success we've had, and to the fans, your support does not go unnoticed, and it does truly mean a lot.

‘The women's game, sadly, on Saturday night, lost the trailblazer, Matt Beard. Matt was someone who cared an awful lot for the women's game before no one else did. He lit up the room when everyone was in it.

'And it's 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, and he'll be greatly missed.

‘And finally, Grandpa, I love and miss you every day. I hope I did you proud, and we did it. Thank you.’