Profile of Mary Earps: 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Candidate
Age: 30
Position: Goalkeeper
Affiliations: Manchester United and England’s National Team
Just four years ago in 2019, Mary Earps could only fantasize about being a Lioness, watching from the sidelines as England’s third-string goalie during the World Cup. Fast-forward to today, she’s practically become the poster child for England’s soccer triumphs and has secured her legacy as one of the sport’s most formidable netminders.
Granted her much-awaited shot by England’s manager Sarina Wiegman, Earps didn’t squander her opportunity. She was instrumental in the Lionesses’ spectacular win at the Euro 2022 and was a consistent presence during their trek to the 2023 World Cup final, including a memorable penalty save against Spain.
The last season has added yet another glorious chapter to Earps’ career saga. Her uncanny ability to deflect shots played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s journey to the FA Cup final and helped them secure a second-place finish in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
It would be an understatement to say she’s had a killer year. Her trophy cabinet now houses titles like Fifa’s Best Goalkeeper, England’s Women’s Player of the Year, and Golden Gloves from both the WSL and World Cup. And let’s not forget her spot in the Professional Footballers’ Association’s WSL Team of the Year.
Don’t Hold Back, Cast Your Vote for the 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year!
Words Straight From Earps
Memorable Moments of 2022-2023?
“I consider myself blessed to have a cornucopia of highlights, from making it to the World Cup finals to bagging Fifa’s Best and competing in the FA Cup Final. Also, I made the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, which is mind-blowing. Being a role model, especially to young minds, feels like a calling. The ups and downs I’ve faced serve as a lighthouse for those who find parts of their stories in mine. Believe me, the zenith is still ahead.”
What’s Her Take on the Goalkeeping Stereotypes?
“I’m keen on rewriting the script. We’ve all been conditioned to believe that strikers are the rockstars of football because they score. I want to illuminate the path for goalkeepers, who bear the weight of enormous pressure. My tagline is ‘goalkeeping is cool,’ and it’s a message I spread zealously. It’s a high-risk, high-reward role, and it’s time it received the praise and attention it so richly deserves.”
Flashbacks from the World Cup Final?
“The day was nothing short of magical, an embodiment of every childhood dream. Although the outcome wasn’t what we aimed for, it shouldn’t eclipse the incredible journey. We lost to Spain, a top-tier team, fair and square—no dishonor in that. It only fuels the desire to rise higher. I’ll forever cherish the photos from the day I was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, especially since my family was there to witness it.”
On Changing Nike’s Mind about Goalkeeper Jerseys
“It’s been a marathon, not a sprint. But I feel like we’ve finally arrived at a juncture where Nike understands the gravity of the issue. To influence this change for budding goalkeepers everywhere is exhilarating and empowering.”
What Others Are Saying
Ella Toone, England’s midfielder, gushes: “Mary is nothing short of miraculous. She’s the reason we’re still in games—she’s irreplaceable.”
Marc Skinner, Manchester United’s manager, states: “She’s the only goalie I’d ever want. Mary is more than just a player; she’s a cultural phenomenon inspiring future generations. That’s what makes the Lionesses iconic.”
Extra Tidbits You Should Know
- Mary Earps once donned Wolfsburg’s jersey, clinching a German league and cup double in 2019.
- Nottingham, her hometown, honored her by naming a tram after her.
- Nike finally caved and rolled out goalkeeper kits bearing her name after she made her grievances known.
- Between November 2019 and September 2021, Earps contemplated hanging up her gloves for good.
If you’re using the BBC News app, tap here to cast your vote.
So, does Mary Earps deserve your vote for 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year? The ball’s in your court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mary Earps 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
Q: Who is Mary Earps, and why is she a candidate for the 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year?
A: Mary Earps is a highly accomplished goalkeeper affiliated with both Manchester United and the England national women’s football team. She is a candidate for the 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year due to her outstanding performance and contributions to the sport. In recent years, she has played a pivotal role in England’s success, including their victory in the Euro 2022 and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final. Her impressive list of achievements, including being named Fifa Best Goalkeeper and her role as a trailblazer for goalkeepers in the sport, make her a strong candidate for this prestigious award.
Q: What were some of the highlights of Mary Earps’ career during the 2022-2023 season?
A: Mary Earps had a remarkable 2022-2023 season with several standout moments. She was part of the England national team that reached the World Cup final, won the Fifa Best Goalkeeper award, played in the FA Cup Final with Manchester United, and was even shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or. Beyond her on-field accomplishments, she values being a role model for aspiring athletes, especially young individuals who can draw inspiration from her journey.
Q: How does Mary Earps view the role of goalkeepers in football, and what message is she trying to convey?
A: Mary Earps is passionate about changing the perception of goalkeepers in football. She believes that while strikers often receive the limelight for scoring goals, goalkeepers also play a crucial role and face immense pressure. She promotes the idea that “goalkeeping is cool” and strives to shed light on the high-stakes and sometimes underappreciated position of goalkeeping. Earps aims to show that goalkeepers can have fun in their role while challenging the narrative that goalkeepers are not as celebrated as other players on the field.
Q: What are Mary Earps’ memories of the World Cup final, and how does she reflect on that experience?
A: Mary Earps recalls the World Cup final as a brilliant day filled with the high-pressure moments that any young athlete dreams of experiencing. Although the final result didn’t go as planned for England, losing to a formidable Spanish team, Earps cherishes the memories and the honor of being named the goalkeeper of the tournament. She fondly remembers holding the trophy in the air and the presence of her loved ones in the crowd, which made the moment truly special despite the outcome.
Q: Why did Mary Earps challenge Nike regarding goalkeeper shirts, and what was the outcome of this challenge?
A: Mary Earps took up the challenge of advocating for goalkeeper shirts from Nike. She believed that it was essential for goalkeeper kits to be more widely available and recognized, not just for herself but for young aspiring goalkeepers everywhere. After a lengthy discussion and support from her teammates, Nike eventually produced goalkeeper kits bearing her name. This accomplishment is seen as a significant step forward for goalkeepers and is expected to inspire many aspiring netminders.
Q: What do others in the footballing world have to say about Mary Earps’ contributions and impact?
A: Mary Earps is highly regarded by her peers and managers in the footballing world. England midfielder Ella Toone praises her incredible saves and acknowledges her as the reason they stayed in games. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner expresses his unwavering support for Earps, stating that he wouldn’t want any other goalkeeper in the world. He highlights her popularity and her ability to inspire future generations, emphasizing her role in building the legacy of the Lionesses.
Q: Are there any interesting facts or additional information about Mary Earps?
A: Yes, aside from her success with Manchester United and the England national team, Mary Earps briefly played for Wolfsburg and achieved a German league and cup double in 2019. Her hometown, Nottingham, honored her by naming a tram after her, recognizing her contributions to football. Furthermore, Earps played a pivotal role in influencing Nike to produce goalkeeper kits, a significant win for goalkeepers worldwide. Notably, she considered retirement during her two-year absence from the England national team between November 2019 and September 2021, making her journey even more remarkable.
More about Mary Earps 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
- Mary Earps on BBC Sport – Detailed coverage of Mary Earps’ career and achievements.
- England Lionesses – Information about the England national women’s football team, where Mary Earps plays as a goalkeeper.
- Manchester United Women – The official website of Manchester United Women’s team, where Mary Earps has been a key player.
- Fifa Best Awards – Details on the Fifa Best Goalkeeper award that Mary Earps received.
- Ballon d’Or – Information about the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for which Mary Earps was shortlisted.
- Nike Goalkeeper Kits – Nike’s official website, where you can find more about the goalkeeper kits Earps advocated for.
- Nottingham Tram Named After Mary Earps – Information about the tram in Nottingham named in honor of Mary Earps.
- BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Voting – Where you can cast your vote for the 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, with Mary Earps as a candidate.
1 comment
wait, Mary Earps got nike to make keeper kits? thats like, game changer!