Welcome to She’s A Baller ‘Point of View’. This SAB original series sees us speak with the most iconic heroes and names in the women’s football space.
We’re doing things differently. We love goals and saves but this series explores the real people behind the player. What makes them tick, what are their biggest fears, where do they see themselves in ten years time and how do they really feel about some of the most controversial moments in recent women’s football history…
In our first Point of View episode, we sat down with a World Best. A player who has achieved monumental mainstream status, known for her advocacy, beautifully honest views and fearless personality.
Of course, it’s Mary Earps.
SAB: Can you tell us about where your from and your childhood growing up?
Mary Earps: That’s a big question to start! I’m from Nottingham originally – born and bred. My childhood was pretty steady. I’ve got a younger brother and sister. I played a lot of football with my brother and dad growing up.
I spent most of my childhood in the garden or at the pitches at Alfred Road, which was around the corner from where I lived. It was just school, homework, football on repeat.
SAB: What was your relationship like with your parents and siblings – are you close?
Earps: My family have seen where I’ve been and where I’ve come from and have watched my football journey from the beginning to now.
I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it wasn’t for my parents driving me here, there and everywhere, to Leicester and back, and all the way around the country really for my football. Definitely my brother and my dad were a big part of my football journey growing up.
SAB: How often do you get to see them now?
Earps: Not too much! Obviously I live in Paris now. It’s tough to get home and that’s one of the sacrifices of being a footballer – you don’t really have too much of a life – it’s very full on. I get home as much as I can but it’s not as much as I would like.
SAB: Who were your biggest role models growing up?
Earps: My family were a big part of the values instilled in me. Football wise – I loved watching football and studying different types of goalkeepers. I liked that there was no right way to do things.
You’d watch the Premier League every weekend and have Tottenham Hotspurs’ Hugo Lloris doing it one way, Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer and then Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon doing it completely differently.
SAB: Do you think goalkeeping has changed – has it become a more demanding position?
Earps: It’s changed massively since I was a kid. There’s lots of elements to it now. A big focus is distribution and playing out from the back – that’s probably due to Ederson and Manchester City’s way of playing.
That’s the beauty of goalkeeping – everyone does it a different way and has different strengths and different ways of imposing themselves on a game. I love watching the differences across the men’s and women’s game – there’s no real textbook on it. The beauty is the uniqueness.
SAB: What is the ‘Mary Earps’ style of goalkeeping?
Earps: Super passionate. I try and do whatever I can to help the team. I put my body on the line. I’m a big communicator and organiser.
I’d like people to think I play with courage and bravery and a lot of heart.
SAB: The fans love your passion and energy. They’ve gone as far as to call you ‘Sweary Earps’. How important is it to you to be able to show your personality on the pitch?
Earps: It’s important for me to be unapologetically myself and be authentically who I am. Growing up, maybe I was scared to be vulnerable or to show who I was and I tried to fit in.
I am what I am. That’s why I have a good relationship with the fans – they see me as just being a goof ball or being sad or happy. I don’t try and fake it. I’m just really grateful to have the support of incredible fans and people and long may that continue.
SAB: Advocacy has been a big part of your career – how important has this been to you?
Earps: It’s important. I try and lead by example. But, to be honest, it’s a tough role to play. It’s a fine line between voicing your opinion and standing up for what you believe in. Especially when you’ve got a platform and a voice that can be heard, you want to try and represent people in the right way.
I always want to use my voice for good and not evil or selfish reasons, but for the good of the future generations. But you can be viewed as too vocal or a trouble maker or always complaining about something.
You have to be secure in what you’re fighting for and secure in who you are as a person. With being vocal, there comes with quite a lot of criticism, but I hope that people see what I try and do and see that I’m trying to create positive change.
I hope that the future generations of young footballers will feel the benefit of that.
SAB: When you’ve stuck your head above the parapet, have you ever felt nervous about the consequences?
Earps: Yes for sure sure – you don’t know what the outcome is going to be. The reality is that, if you put your neck on the line and people chop it off at the block, it’s not a great feeling. That’s always the risk of being prepared to stand up for something – sometimes you might need to do that alone.
And people don’t see a lot of the things that go on behind the scenes. There’s normally a lot of preparation work or a lot of quiet conversations going on before the big, loud conversations happen.
Of course it can be tough. It can also take a lot of energy because you’re spending a lot of time trying to articulate yourself in a certain way or speaking to people you trust.
It’s not as simple as it looks but as long as I can create positive change, then I hope I can brave enough to continue to do all those things.
SAB: How do you cope in those moments and where does your support network fit into that?
Earps: It’s about relying on the people around you and being able to talk to people openly. I struggled for a long time to be able to open up and be vulnerable. I saw it as a weakness for the longest time but now I feel much more comfortable now sharing concerns or anxieties I may have.
I have incredible people in my life who give me a balanced opinion and will tell me to shut up when I’m not talking about anything important. But they will also lift me up if I need it and advise me and give me the courage to do the things I have.
SAB: What’s the one thing you’d change about the women’s football industry?
Earps: That’s a tough one.
SAB: Ok, we’ll give you multiple choices…
Earps: The game is in a really good place if you compare it to where it was 10 years ago. There’s been a lot of significant change but, in all honesty, everyone associated with the women’s game can appreciate the progression, but also that there’s a long way to go and also a lot of battles and wins to be had.
Sometimes, social media makes it look like it’s all sunshine and rainbows and roses but it’s not like that. There’s a lot of fantastic things about the game. I love what I do and the fact that I get to do this for a job – I never pictured I’d be able to do this for the longest time.
It’s taken me all over the world, to incredible places to meet incredible people. But there’s still plenty of change to be made. Over the next couple of years I’d like to see the game being produced on TV better than what it currently is.
I would love to see replays, cameras with better quality, more camera angles. I had a conversation a couple years ago about the difference between the amount of cameras in a Premier League game and the amounts used in a WSL game. I can’t remember exact numbers but it was multiples.
For me, one of the beautiful things about the men’s game, is that it’s a constant source of debate and discussion. I don’t think we can have those levels of discussions in the women’s game.
For example, in a situation where goal line technology isn’t being used, how do we tell if the ball is over the line or not? If you’re watching Match of the Day, there would be different levels of analysis available – being able to judge the speed of the ball or using animations to show you multiple versions of one moment in time and we don’t have that in women’s football.
There’s an element of investment and profit margins which I get, but it doesn’t allow for accurate discussions and debates. So what happens is that whoever is there at the game, their opinion gets imitated by lots of other people.
When you watch men’s football pundits going at it (and sometimes giving verbal assassinations), it’s fun and entertaining, but in women’s football we can’t see the game in the same way yet.
SAB: You’re the face of a major bread brand, an ambassador for an international lingerie brand. You’re in Madame Tussauds – how does it feel being such a house hold name?
It’s a surreal feeling – I definitely never grew up expecting this or wanting this. My biggest dream was to represent my country at a major tournament and be lucky enough to win a few trophies. I used to write stories as a kid – and my mum probably still has them somewhere – of me playing at a World Cup. I was so grateful I was able to fulfil that dream last year.
I don’t think too much about the rest of it. I’m grateful to have that connection with people and to hear their stories and that maybe the Lionesses or my goalkeeping journey has inspired them in some way.
Hearing people getting back into football after they fell out of love with it for a long time ago or being able to speak about their journey with their own health issues, anxiety and worries – I’m grateful that I can be a small part of that in some way.
SAB: As fans become more interested in players’ lives, do you ever feel that it’s becoming more difficult to remain your privacy and keep a private life?
Earps: Yes, the game has changed a lot in the last couple of years -really dramatically. This was never a topic a couple of years ago. We went from playing in front of 50-100 people and to now playing in front of 60-80,000 people regularly.
But with that, and it becoming more well known spoken about – which is what we’ve been fighting for – comes things we never anticipated. It’s hard being in the public eye, trying to have your own space, time and private life.
I understand the eagerness to interact with players – I enjoy interacting with fans, but sometimes it’s difficult to have that boundary between Mary Earps the footballer and just Mary who is just chilling or going to the shops.
I understand it from a clubs point of view. For me as a player, I want to give fans as much time as I possibly can. I enjoy that interaction and super grateful they come to the game and I want to show that appreciation. But it’s impossible to get round to everybody.
I’ve definitely had instances where I’ve been criticised. You sign a few hundred autographs, but the hundred and first person is unhappy and that’s always difficult. I’ve had instances of people banging on car windows or trying to grab you in moments….physical touch is always a difficult one. As much as you try and give as much energy as you can back, sometimes it feels like it’s not enough.
Manchester City did an ‘autograph alley’ which was an interesting concept. When I spoke to the City players, they seemed to really like that approach and it achieved a good balance. It’s hard to manage the frustration fans sometimes feel but also recognising that the football comes first – hopefully they feel happy with the product they see.
SAB: Let’s discuss the move from Manchester United to PSG – can you talk to us about your experiences at United?
Earps: I was at United for five years and I’ve been fortunate to have lots of incredible memories there. Playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, winning the FA Cup last season. I developed a lot as a player and person there. I met some incredible people who I will stay friends with forever.
Sometimes you need a change and I felt moving to PSG was the best thing for me. I hope it will bring another level out of me as a player. That’s what it came down to in the end.
SAB: Why PSG out of all the other clubs that may have shown interest in signing you?
Earps: I heard the vision and ambition of PSG. We had a presentation where they outlined that they want to be the best team in the world on and off the pitch. That really excites me – that’s where I want to be.
It’s a super talented team. I’m excited to be a part of it with players who are really going to challenge me every day, whilst it is also a different language, culture, training environment.
I have this thing in my head where I want to be pushed to my absolute maximum and I don’t want to leave anything on the table. I don’t want to ever look back and think, ‘Oh if I only I was brave enough’ or ‘If I’d only got another 1% out of myself’. I want to max out on all the percentages I’ve got in my locker before it’s time to call time – the careers go quick and they’re short.
SAB: How are you adjusting to life in France – can you give us an update?
Earps: Where do I event start! Summer was a rollercoaster. I was in France for 3 weeks and then headed to Australia for 10 days!
It’s so difficult with the language but hopefully I’ll learn and get better. I’m making a lot of effort – the girls will vouch for me!
It’s been nice to have the girls back from the Olympics, to bond as a team and get some minutes on the pitch. It’s a tough adjustment. As much as I’d like to sit here and tell you how great it is, which I’m really enjoying, there’s a lot to think about and a lot of change.
SAB: What’s been the biggest change?
Earps: Things are run very differently. When you’ve been somewhere for five years, you know everything – where to be, what the club are building, where the parking is meeting times, when to weigh-in!
It’s just a whole load of information at once and trying to remember it all, as well as trying to set up a bank account, get a social security number, residency pass, set-up wifi and finding an apartment whilst you don’t speak the language – it’s been interesting…
As soon as you feel settled off the pitch, you feel settled on the pitch and you can perform better. They really do link. It’s been a whirlwind!
SAB: What do you do with your spare time in Paris?
Earp: It’s very ‘Emily in Paris!’ No, I’ve only had one day off in Paris so far and it consisted of rest, sleeping, recovery and not a lot else. Also, errands and the supermarket.
The first week or so, I spent a lot of time, trying to find out where to live, apartment hunting, driving around. Not quite as romantic as cycling around with baguettes in the basket yet, but maybe when I’ve got some downtime!
SAB: Do you still keep in contact with a lot of the MU players?
Earps: Yes, I’ve spoken to Tooney recently and my goalkeeper coach at United. He’s been getting Mary Earps podcasts – which are 8-9 minute voice notes. My teammates don’t enjoy these but my former coach puts up with them.
Voicenotes is how I’ve been keeping up with people, especially when I was in Australia with the time difference.
SAB: We’ve all seen the issues this summer around Blackburn and Reading. Do you think there is a misconception amongst mainstream media that women’s football is in a better space than it actually is?
Earps : Definitely. Sometimes the women’s game is described as being in a good place but the reality is that that might only apply to a few clubs. Some clubs are still struggling.
The Reading story was especially devastating as an ex-player and I coached there for a little while. You feel really helpless. I knew a few players and staff members that were still there. It’s gutting to hear clubs going through that – it’s the ugly side of the business. Men’s clubs also experience these kind of things – bankruptcy for example.
But in women’s football, it just hits home a little bit more. It could be you or your teammates going through that. But there’s also a lot on the line as a female player, because the lifestyles and salaries aren’t the same. It’s their whole livelihood, the opportunities are fewer and maybe you can’t travel to other clubs.
The game is going in a great direction but let’s not forget, there’s still a lot of work to do in making the game sustainable at all levels and not just focusing on one league at the top. How can we focus on lower leagues and grassroots – that’s where a lot of people come from and learn their craft. Without those leagues you wouldn’t have the top leagues so it’s really important we focus on the whole ecosystem.
SAB: Bit of a quick-fire now. Who is the most difficult player you’ve ever played against?
Earps: Former Germany international and Lyon midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsán. That’s been the most consistent answer I’ve given throughout my career and I’ve played against some incredible players.
She was the first player I played against, when I was at Bristol Academy – we played against her in Frankfurt in the Champions League. She hit a free kick and the ball hit the bar before I’d even seen it, it was that quick. She stood out.
SAB: Biggest highlight of your career?
Earps: Winning the Euros – hands down and nothing comes close.
SAB: Your biggest challenge, regret, mistake?
Earps: I don’t believe in regrets. Everyone does everything with the best intentions at the time. Mistakes happen in life. It’s normal, it’s part of who you are.
If I could change anything or one scoreline, I would somehow win the World Cup against Spain last year. If I had a magic wand or time machine, that would be the one.
I love playing for my country, win, lose or draw but you play to win. Spain were an incredible team and worthy winners, but to play in a World Cup final and to win, would’ve been the icing on the cake. But you can’t win everything… although maybe ask Aitana Bonmati, she seems to win everything!
SAB: What does life look like after football for you?
Earps: Hopefully just happy and healthy, with a family, living a nice, little life. As carefree as possible.
I love Paris but I’m not sure where I’ll be. I’d love to own my own business – I like the freedom of that and being my own boss but I’m not sure what that looks like, so watch this space…
You can watch the full Point of View episode here:
On Sunday, Premièr Ligue side Paris St. Germain (PSG) were crowned winners of the inaugural Perth International Football Cup after defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final at HBF Park.
The tournament represented a celebration of women’s football on the international stage as European teams demonstrated their marketability worldwide during this pre-season.
Three Women’s Super League (WSL) teams, Leicester City, West Ham United and Manchester City, travelled to Australia’s west coast, but it was the French side who clinched the title with an 88th minute penalty – taken by 23-year-old midfielder Jennifer Echegini after Kerstin Casparij tripped Tara Elimibi-Gilbert in the box.
Manchester City, however, can take heart from their performance against last season’s Champions League semi-finalists and were perhaps unlucky not to get more from the game after Bunny Shaw was denied a strong penalty shout in the first-half.
The Citizens came up against 33-year-old goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek whose heroic performance was everything you might expect from a No.1 defending their starting shirt from Mary Earps. No mean feat given Earps’ recent credentials – 2023 World Cup runner up, 2022 European Championship winner and FIFA Best Goalkeeper 2022 & 2023 to name a few.
Though PSG were victorious, they failed to over-awe in either of their games, only beating West Ham 1-0 through 23-year-old striker Romee Leuchter’s goal in the 23rd minute.
The oft-repeated line that pre-season is about little more than fitness must be a caveat in all cases but, for West Ham fans, the tournament will certainly have caused some concern.
The East London club fell to a 5-2 defeat to WSL rivals Leicester City in the third/fourth play-off match and, as a result, finished bottom of the pack. It could have looked far worse had 30-year-old striker Viviane Asseyi’s late brace not salvaged what was a 5-0 scoreline until the 90th minute.
For Leicester, and new manager Amandine Miquel, the tournament gave plenty to be hopeful about. The Foxes held Man City to a 0-0 draw, only losing on penalties, before triumphing over West Ham.
It was an opportunity for all clubs to show off new faces with the tournament rife with debutants. City’s new keeper Japan international Ayaka Yamashita impressed in their penalty shootout victory over Leicester, while marquee signing Vivianne Miedema scored the winning spot-kick.
Among a number of other summer signings, Earps made her debut for PSG, and midfielder Chantelle Swaby and goalkeeper Kinga Szemik made their first starts for Leicester and West Ham, respectively.
In many ways, the pre-season tour was not just an exercise in football preparation but in showcasing European football on a different continent – and it succeeded.
The added draw of Matildas in each of the WSL sides (midfielder Katrina Gorry, striker Mary Fowler, defenders Alanna Kennedy and Courtney Nevin) attracted sizeable crowds for pre-season friendlies with over 15,000 in attendance for Sunday’s final between City and PSG.
As Australia continues to see domestic women’s football grow after the success of last summer’s World Cup, undoubtedly it will become a familiar trip for European teams looking for a more global pre-season in future.
Astutely, amid mandatory zoo trips to hug koalas, the clubs also took the opportunity to spread the buzz around the Perth Cup with local sides. Most prominently, Man City visited A-League side Perth Glory while Kristie Mewis fittingly visited her fiancee’s eponymous sports centre, the Sam Kerr Football Centre.
Leicester City took part in a bracelet exchange with local Sorrento FC U12’s and U13’s, while there was also a fan event on Friday arranged for the tournament itself.
In taking advantage of the growing international interest, the European sides can grow their global brand image as a women’s club and attract fans willing to invest around the globe.
It is another sign of the steps being taken in the women’s game with Arsenal and Chelsea also having successful trips stateside to face NWSL teams in the USA.
While ending a perennial debate over whether the NWSL or WSL is the better league might have been a useful byproduct of Arsenal and Chelsea’s respective victories over Washington Spirit and Gotham FC, more importantly, it is indicative of the increasing global attraction of the WSL.
Owing to the success of this summer’s international forays, we can expect to see the international pre-season tour become a firm fixture of the women’s calendar as the WSL realises its true global market value. And maybe even see the Australian and NWSL teams venture over here…