Mary Earps, born on March 7, 1993, in Nottingham, England, is a name that resonates with excellence, resilience, and skill in the world of women’s football. As the goalkeeper for Manchester United and the England national team, Earps has established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the game.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Earps began her senior career in 2010 and has since played for several clubs in the FA Women’s Super League, including Doncaster Rovers Belles, Reading, Bristol City, and Birmingham City. Her talent and potential led her to a stint with the two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winners, Wolfsburg, in Germany, further honing her skills at the highest level of European football.
Joining Manchester United
In 2019, Earps made a significant move in her career by joining Manchester United. Since then, she has been a cornerstone of the team, playing in every one of United’s 58 Women’s Super League (WSL) games across her first three seasons with the club and keeping 25 clean sheets in the process. Her consistent performances and leadership qualities led to her signing a new contract in February 2021, extending her stay with the Reds until the summer of 2023, with an option for an additional year.
International Success
Earps made her senior England debut in 2017 and was part of the Lionesses squad that finished fourth at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Her international career reached new heights in the summer of 2022 when she played an integral part in England’s success at the European Championships. Earps kept four clean sheets in six appearances at the tournament, earning her a spot in UEFA’s official Team of the Tournament.
Record-Breaking Achievements
The 2022/23 season saw Earps continue her standout contributions for Manchester United. She registered her 50th WSL clean sheet following United’s 1-0 win at Reading in January 2023, becoming the first-ever player to reach this milestone. Her impressive start to the calendar year led to her being selected by supporters as United Women’s inaugural Player of the Month.
Recognition and Awards
Earps’s efforts over the previous 12 months and beyond were recognized on a global scale when she won The Best Women’s Goalkeeper award at the prestigious The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Paris. This accolade officially crowned her as the best women’s goalkeeper in the world for 2022, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and talent.
The Future
As Mary Earps continues to guard Manchester United’s goal with her exceptional skills, her future in football looks incredibly bright. With her ambition to challenge for trophies and establish United as one of the top women’s teams in Europe, Earps is set to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
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