One of Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses has accelerated to second favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after her final heroics helped England retain their European crown.
The Lionesses beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in Sunday’s Women’s Euro 2025 final in Basel, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year award is one of the most sought after in the calendar and victory for Wiegman’s side has seen one player see her odds dramatically shorten.
Hannah Hampton denied both Mariona Caldentey and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati from the spot, before Salma Paralluelo fired wide – capping a second shootout masterclass from the 24-year-old at this tournament.
She also saved two penalties in England’s chaotic quarter-final win over Sweden, establishing herself as one of the breakout stars of the summer.
It marks a remarkable rise for Hampton, who was an understudy to Mary Earps during England’s Euros triumph on home soil in 2022 and again at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Earps herself won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023 after saving a penalty in the World Cup final — also against Spain — albeit in a losing cause.
Earps finished ahead of Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson in the public vote that year.
According to Betfair, Hampton is now joint second-favourite at 5/1 to win SPOTY, behind only Rory McIlroy, who leads the market at Evens after a stellar season that included winning The Masters in April — his first Green Jacket and fifth major overall.
Formula One star Lando Norris is also priced at 5/1, having recently claimed a hugely popular victory at Silverstone, winning the British Grand Prix for the first time in his career.
The McLaren driver is also currently just 16 points behind team-mate Oscar Piastri in the race for the world drivers’ championship.
England captain Lucy Bronze (15/2) and fellow Lioness Leah Williamson (16/1) are also in the running, while teenage darts sensation Luke Littler is priced at 9/1.
A Betfair spokesperson said: ‘Hannah Hampton is the new second-favourite to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after saving two penalties to help England win Euro 2025 on Sunday.
‘Hampton, 5/1, is joined by fellow Lionesses Lucy Bronze, 15/2, and Leah Williamson, 16/1, who are amongst the contenders to win the award.
Rory McIlroy remains the favourite at Evens, with Lando Norris trailing at 5/1. Meanwhile, Luke Littler is 9/1 to take home the illustrious award.’
