‘It’s a blessing and a curse,’ Mary Earps reflects. ‘Naturally, when you’re named the Fifa Best goalkeeper, expectations rise, especially when it happens twice. People expect more of you.’ This is a daily reality for the England international, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer after her contract with Manchester United ended. She embraces this pressure, acknowledging it as a significant compliment, despite the heightened scrutiny and expectations. ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ she says. ‘I’m grateful for my achievements and excited about the potential for further growth.’
Earps’ move to France marked a new chapter, but it got off to a rocky start when PSG failed to advance to the Champions League group stage, losing to Juventus in the qualifying rounds. ‘It was gutting,’ she admits. ‘That was a major reason for my move, and we didn’t perform as well as we should have.’ Despite the disappointment, Earps remains focused on the future. ‘We can only move forward and improve,’ she says, noting the need for time for new players and a new coach to gel.
Champions League football wasn’t the sole factor in Earps’ decision to join PSG. ‘It was about the feeling and the conversations I had,’ she explains. ‘The club’s ambition and vision were clear and ambitious.’ Earps, one of English football’s most recognizable faces, has had a storied career, including winning Euro 2022 and reaching the World Cup final with the Lionesses. Her departure from Manchester United, where she had become synonymous with the team, was challenging but necessary. ‘The club is undergoing transition, and it didn’t align with my career timing,’ she says.
Earps’ journey includes stints at West Bridgford, Leicester, Tottenham, and a pivotal season at Wolfsburg, where she won the German league and cup double. ‘Wolfsburg kickstarted something in me,’ she recalls. ‘It was a new culture and level of play that I needed.’ Her second stint abroad at PSG is where she believes she can reach new heights. ‘I haven’t hit my maximum potential yet,’ she says, emphasizing her commitment to continuous improvement.
Currently, PSG leads the Première Ligue, but Earps remains cautious. ‘It’s early, and we’re not getting carried away,’ she says. With England, she faces friendlies against Germany and South Africa, knowing her starting position is not guaranteed. ‘I’m in a unique position to see the growth of the game,’ she says, appreciating the opportunities younger goalkeepers now have.
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