Mary Earps, England’s iconic goalkeeper, has announced her retirement from international football, just weeks before the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
The 32-year-old, who earned 53 caps over an illustrious eight-year career, leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.(talkSPORT)
🏆 A Career of Unparalleled Achievements
Earps’ journey with the Lionesses is marked by remarkable accomplishments. She was instrumental in England's triumph at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 and their runner-up finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she earned the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper. Her accolades also include back-to-back Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper awards in 2022 and 2023, and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. (talkSPORT, Wikipedia)
Beyond the pitch, Earps has been a trailblazer, advocating for greater recognition of goalkeepers. Notably, she challenged Nike for not selling her replica goalkeeper jersey during the World Cup, highlighting the need for equal representation. (The Tab)
🛡️ Embracing Innovation: Custom Shin Pads
Throughout her career, Earps prioritized both performance and safety. She was known to wear personalized shin pads from Custom Guards, which provided tailored protection and comfort. These custom shin pads not only enhanced her on-field performance but also allowed her to express her individuality.
🎙️ A Graceful Exit
In her retirement announcement, Earps stated:
“It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the ... .” (talkSPORT)
Her decision, while unexpected, was met with respect and admiration from teammates and fans alike. England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed disappointment but acknowledged Earps' significant contributions to English football. (talkSPORT, All For XI)
🌟 Legacy and Inspiration
Mary Earps' impact extends beyond her impressive statistics and accolades. She has inspired countless young athletes, particularly goalkeepers, to pursue their dreams with determination and confidence. Her advocacy for equality and representation has paved the way for future generations to thrive in the sport.
As England prepares for Euro 2025, the absence of Earps will be felt, but her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire the team.(talkSPORT)
We wish Mary all the best!
