England goalkeeper Mary Earps has added another accolade to her impressive list of achievements this year: the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Earps, who was instrumental in the Lionesses’ historic run to the World Cup final in the summer, beat cricket star Stuart Broad and heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson to the prestigious prize.
A dream come true
Earps said she was “very honoured and humbled” to receive “the ultimate all-round sporting accolade” and thanked the fans who voted for her. She also paid tribute to her teammates, coaches, family and friends who supported her throughout her career.
Earps is the first goalkeeper and the fourth woman to win the award in its 69-year history, following swimmer Anita Lonsbrough in 1962, athlete Kelly Holmes in 2004 and tennis player Emma Raducanu in 2021. She is also the second footballer to win the award, after Bobby Moore in 1966.
Earps said she hoped her win would inspire more girls and women to take up football and goalkeeping, and to pursue their dreams. She said she was proud to represent her country and her sport on the global stage.
A stellar year
Earps had a remarkable year, both at club and international level. She joined Manchester United in July 2023, after a successful spell at German side Wolfsburg. She quickly established herself as the first-choice keeper for the Red Devils, helping them to win the FA Women’s Super League title and the FA Women’s Cup.
At the World Cup in France, Earps was the standout player for England, keeping three clean sheets and making several crucial saves in the knockout stages. She was awarded the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper at the tournament, and was also named in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI. She finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting, the highest-ever ranking for a female goalkeeper.
Earps also became the most capped England goalkeeper, surpassing Rachel Brown-Finnis’ record of 82 appearances. She currently has 90 caps and 45 clean sheets for the Lionesses.
A role model
Earps is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and a role model for young aspiring players. She is known for her agility, reflexes, leadership and passion on the pitch. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness, having spoken openly about her own struggles with depression and anxiety in the past.
Earps has been praised by her peers, coaches and fans for her achievements and her personality. Sarina Wiegman, the England coach, said Earps was “a fantastic goalkeeper and a great person”. Fara Williams, England’s most capped player and Earps’ former teammate, said Earps was “a true professional and a joy to play with”. Peter Schmeichel, the legendary Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper, said Earps was “a phenomenal talent and a worthy winner”.
Earps will be looking to add more trophies to her collection next year, as she prepares for the European Championship in England and the Olympic Games in Paris. She will also be aiming to help Manchester United defend their domestic titles and challenge for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Mary Earps has proven herself to be a golden glove, a golden girl and a golden personality. She has won the hearts of the nation and the world with her performances and her character. She is a deserving winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
