At an awards ceremony in London, Mary Earps has been recognised by FIFA as The Best Women’s Goalkeeper of 2023. The England and Manchester United shotstopper retains the title, after lifting the trophy last year.
Earps’ England reached the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in which she saved a penalty to prevent Spain doubling their lead – albeit in vain, as the Lionesses succumbed to a slender defeat. Spain’s Cata Coll was also nominated for this award, alongside Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold.
Embed from Getty ImagesWith Manchester United in 2022/23, Earps played a key role as the Red Devils finished second in the Barclays Women’s Super League and reached the final of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final.
Accepting the award, Earps said: ‘When I made [the FIFPRO XI], I thought that was me done for the year! First of all, I want to say thank you to my teammates. Without you, I would not be able to be on this stage. Thank you to all my coaches, on a serious level at England and [Manchester] United, I’m just blown away.’
‘I talk about it alot that it’s not been the easiest journey to get here and some would say I took the scenic route – I had to wait a while for this success but looking back at it, it all makes sense. If you’re struggling, and you’re going through hell, keep going – it’s never too late to be who you are. I think 2023 showed us that when we come together and speak out on injustices, we can change the world.’
