England and Manchester United’s star goalkeeper Mary Earps gave a heartfelt speech after being recognised as FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper, dedicating the moment to ‘anyone who has been in a dark place’.
Earps has been a fundamental part of Manchester United’s growth over the last 18 months, becoming the first goalkeeper in the Women’s Super League to reach 50 clean sheets. She has also conceded the fewest goals in the league this season, playing an integral role in the Reds sitting at the top of the table.
The deserved win also comes after her phenomenal performance in the Women’s Euros last summer, keeping four clean sheets and helping the Lionesses enjoy an unbeaten 2022.
The 29-year-old goalie seemed genuinely surprised to have been named the best goalkeeper in the world, endearing the crowd by poking fun at herself before delivering an emotional message to those struggling with mental health.
After thanking her coaches, teammates and loved ones, she said: “This is for anyone who has ever been in a dark place, just know that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
“Sometimes success looks like this, collecting trophies, sometimes it’s just waking up and putting one step in front of the other.
“There’s only one of you in the world, and that’s more than good enough. Be unapologetically yourself.”
She also thanked Lionesses manager Sarina Weigman for always believing in her on and off the pitch and for offering her the opportunities of a lifetime.
In the crowd, Wiegman and fellow England teammates Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Jess Carter all beamed with pride at their keeper.
In the BBC Documentary Lionesses: Champions of Europe, Earps opened up about how she feared her international career may be over as she was England’s third-choice goalkeeper at the 2019 World Cup.
Wiegman took over in 2021 and now Earps is one of the first names on the teamsheet having helped the Lionesses achieve an unstoppable clean sheet and becoming a footballing icon.
The England shot-stopper has since been showered with support from her club, fans and teammates.
Director of the Manchester United Academy, Nick Cox tweeted:
“Now that is an acceptance speech!
Congratulations Mary Earps – Best in the World.”
BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders praised the world’s best goalie:
“What an incredible journey she has had and she is getting well-deserved recognition for a stunning year.
“She’s officially the best goalkeeper in the world, a European champion and one of the best people you could ever meet.”
Man Utd Women will play Leicester City on Sunday 5 March at Old Trafford.
