Mary Earps, the renowned goalkeeper, has recently shared an intimate account of her journey, detailing the emotional challenges and ultimate triumphs she experienced leading up to a pivotal moment in her career. In a candid revelation, Earps described the overwhelming anxiety and self-doubt she faced, emotions that reached a peak before a defining event. "I felt sick and anxious," she confessed, "Then came the words I’d waited 12 months to hear".
Earps' journey has been marked by both incredible highs and challenging lows. She was a key player in England's Euro 2022 victory and showcased spectacular heroics at the FIFA Women's World Cup. However, she also faced personal struggles and professional setbacks, including missing out on the Olympics. These experiences have shaped her into a resilient and determined athlete.
Recently, Earps made headlines by revealing her same-sex relationship with her girlfriend, Kitty. This revelation, included in her upcoming autobiography "All In," marks a significant step for Earps, who has previously kept her personal life private. "I've always tried to keep my personal life separate from my professional one, but it would have felt inauthentic not to include something so important to me in this book," she stated.
The announcement has been met with widespread support, with LGBTQ+ organizations praising Earps for being a role model. Sarah Garrett, founder of the British LGBT Awards, hailed her as "a hero and inspirational role model to young women and girls all over the world".
Earps' recent decision to retire from international football ahead of Euro 2025 also stirred discussions. Despite retiring with 53 caps and being a star during the 2023 Women's World Cup, she was criticized for the timing of her announcement, particularly after Hannah Hampton replaced her as England's first-choice goalkeeper. An offer from the Lionesses for a Wembley tribute was made, but Earps was unable to accept it due to scheduling conflicts. The Football Association (FA) has clarified that they remain committed to honoring the contributions of players who have recently retired from international football.
Currently, Earps is playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a move she made in the summer of 2024 after five years with Manchester United. She explained that the decision to join PSG was driven by a desire to push herself and compete at the highest level. "I felt like this move to PSG was going to take me out of my comfort zone," Earps said. "It was going to add something to me as a player and a person". She also expressed excitement about the club's vision and ambition to be the best team in the world.
Life in Paris has provided Earps with a sense of peace and focus. While acknowledging the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture, she emphasized the refreshing change of pace and the opportunity to concentrate on her development as a footballer. "It's been more refreshing than I thought it would be," Earps noted. "I really wanted to get into a little focus zone and just totally concentrate on my development as a footballer".
Looking back on her career, Earps emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief. "If you're struggling and you are going through hell, keep going," she has said. "It's never too late to be exactly who you are". She encourages young athletes to embrace their unique paths and stay true to themselves. "There is only one of you in the world and that's more than good enough. Be, unapologetically, yourself," she declared.
