THE recognition keeps coming for Wilmslow’s Mary Earps.
England Lionesses and Manchester United superstar goalkeeper Earps enjoyed FIFA Awards success this week.
This has added to the 30-year-old being made an MBE in King Charles’ New Year honours for services to football, which capped an incredible month after she was crowned 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year in a public vote.
Then at the Best FIFA Awards in London on Monday night, Earps was one of seven Lionesses who made it into the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World XI – along with Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Alessia Russo, Lauren James and Ella Toone.
She was soon called back to the stage to collect the best women’s goalkeeper award for the second year in a row.
“Last year I won the award, but didn’t get in the team of the year – this year I thought it might be the other way around,” said Nottingham-born Earps.
“Thank you to all my coaches for England and United. I am just blown away.
“I talk a lot about how it wasn’t the easiest journey here, I took the scenic route, but looking back now, it all makes sense. It made me so much more prepared for the challenges I face today, and not to take a day for granted.”
“If you are struggling, keep going. It is never too late to be who you are – 2023 showed we can change the world if we speak out against injustice, so let’s keep doing that.”
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