Five weeks before the Lionesses begin their campaign for the Women’s European Championships 2025, Earps has announced her retirement through an emotional instagram post.
Within this post she states that she has “taken the difficult decision to retire internationally.”
She continued to express that playing for England has been a massive privilege.
In thanks to the fans, she expressed:
“I could have never imagined how much love and support I’d feel from you all.”
“As time goes on, I know I’ll become a distant memory – that’s football, that’s life, the show goes on – but I will never forget you. I will never forget the bond and connection I feel with you all. I hope to see you around, wherever that may be.”
As upsetting as this news is, it is incredibly important to reflect upon the inspiring eight year career that Mary has had with England and the true impact that she has had on women’s football within the nation and across the world.
During the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022 and the Women’s World Cup in 2023, Mary Earps proved her talent through incredible performances, guiding the Lionesses to glory. Her powerful career truly demonstrates the dedication that she has put into the game.
Throughout her career, Mary Earps has opened up about her experiences, allowing fans to resonate with her personally.
Mary Earps spoke with the BBC in relation to their Children In Need ‘The Heaviest Backpack’ campaign with the initiative to shed light on the anxieties and struggles that are weighing young children down. Earps discussed her own story of starting secondary school.
“I think, definitely in my early teens, that was probably the time that I realised I was carrying some things in my backpack.”
This highlighted that she:
“had a lot of instances where I didn’t understand, maybe, why things were happening in a certain way. And definitely experienced bullying. 100%”.
She powerfully championed this message during her memorable speech while accepting the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award — a moment that resonated with fans around the world, as she expressed:
“This is for anyone who’s 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.”
It means a great deal for fans to show appreciation for players who’ve shaped the women’s game. During the 2023 Women’s World Cup, we couldn’t do that for Mary Earps, who voiced her frustration when Nike refused to sell the England goalkeeper shirt, calling it “hugely disappointing and very hurtful.”
Determined to take action, I launched a petition to support Earps and all female goalkeepers. It gained over 172,000 signatures, highlighting the demand to proudly represent our keepers. In response, Nike released the shirt — and it sold out within minutes.
Mary Earps, twice named FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper, has earned numerous accolades for her brilliance on the pitch. But her journey hasn’t been easy — in 2020, after being dropped from the England squad, she nearly quit the game. The arrival of Sarina Wiegman reignited her career, leading to unforgettable moments like her iconic penalty save in the 2023 World Cup Final. Her resilience and impact have left a lasting legacy in women’s football.
From her first appearance for England to the historic moments she’s created, Mary Earps has embodied true dedication. A remarkable figure in women’s football, she has not only shaped the game but also inspired countless others through her powerful values and unwavering spirit.
Her presence in the squad will be deeply missed, but her legacy as one of the game’s greats will endure. Thank you, Mary, for your unwavering dedication and powerful impact on this team.
“Lioness 198 over and out.”
