In a win in English football, England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps was named BBC Female Footballer of the Year winner. The 30-year-old earned the accolade for her outstanding performances throughout the season, cementing her leading position in the sport.
Earps' contributions for club and country have been outstanding. Her outstanding skills and relentless dedication have been a big factor in England's success, including their reach for the final of the Women's World Cup final in August. Despite losing to Spain in the final, Earps' influence was undeniable and she was awarded the Golden Glove Award for her outstanding performance as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Domestically, Earps helped Manchester United to an impressive second place in the 2022-23 Women's Premier League (WSL). Her unwavering presence in the back of goal kept 14 clean sheets for the Red Devils, setting a new WSL record.
In addition to his achievements on the field, Earps has demonstrated leadership and advocacy. She boldly denounced England's jersey maker Nike for failing to produce her goalkeeper jersey for fans during the World Cup. This act of defiance underscores the need for greater representation and equality in the world of sport.
In receiving the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Award, Earps expressed her gratitude for the tremendous support she has received from fans, colleagues and the wider football community. She also paid tribute to her team-mate, the 'Lionses' of the England women's football team, for working together to achieve great things on the pitch.
Earps' victory was the fourth Englishman to win the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award, following Lucy Brown, Beth Mead and Kim Little. Her success has set an example for athletes around the world, proving that determination, resilience, and passion can lead to extraordinary achievements.