Mary Earps: England and Manchester United goalkeeper named BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2023

England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has won the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award.

She also helped United finish second in the 2022-23 Women's Super League (WSL).

“I'm really honoured,” the 30-year-old told BBC Sport. He added: “Being the first goalkeeper to receive the award is special and I am very grateful.”

Fans voted on the BBC Sport website after a shortlist of five players was selected by a large panel of experts working in football around the world, including coaches, players, administrators and journalists.

Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatti came in second place in the voting, while Chelsea striker Sam Kerr came in third place.

Sweden, Barcelona and Germany's Fridolina Rulfo and Wolfsburg's Alexandra Popp were on the shortlist of five players.

The Earps enjoyed a fantastic year at club and country level, and their name is now synonymous with the Lionesses.

She kept 14 clean sheets for Manchester United in the 2022-23 season, a WSL record, as the Red Devils achieved their highest league position.

“To be honest, I thought Bonmati might accept her. I mean, what a player she is,” she said.

“A lot has happened this year. Obviously we've had the World Cup. We've had everything that's happened with the goalkeeper jerseys. The whole goalkeeping association has been supportive, it seems. And not only that, it's just unbelievable support.” From the public and many people.

“Last year was a great season for United. I think it was a great year, two great years. I'm just trying to make the most of everything really.”

England coach Sarina Wegman said in a video: “Hello Mary, here I am again. I can congratulate you once again with the Women's World Player of the Year award. Congratulations, but you are not finished yet. You have to keep going.” Get more and enjoy this prize.”

As a key figure in England's successful Euro 2022 campaign, Earps helped the national team build on that momentum as she started all seven matches at the 2023 World Cup, keeping three clean sheets and earning the Golden Glove Award for best goalkeeper at the 2023 World Cup. Competition .

Earps saved Gini Hermoso's penalty in the final against Spain but the Lionesses lost 1-0 in Sydney.

After a two-year absence from the England national team between November 2019 and September 2021, Earps considered retiring from international football but has since established herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“I wouldn't wish it on anyone, like the things I went through, but I'm trying to use my story as a beacon of hope for people — to show that there are better days to come,” Earps said.

“You just have to keep fighting. This looks very different for different people – everyone has their own battles and their own stories.

“I think what's incredible is the number of people who have reached out to me and shared their stories through it. It's been really amazing. I hope it continues for a long time.”

Earps is the fourth Briton to win the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award, following in the footsteps of two-time winner Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead in 2022, and 2016 winner Kim Little.

The Nottingham-born goalkeeper has appeared in all 22 of Manchester United's Champions League matches in the 2022-23 season, and has started each of their seven league matches this season.

Upon receiving the award, Earps also received congratulatory messages from the most capped lioness Fara Williams and former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

“This is really special, I was a little shocked by that,” Earps said of the messages. “It's incredible to hear these things. I think as British people, we don't always express the way we celebrate things sometimes. I don't think we're always up for it, so to hear words like that from amazing people and what they've all achieved Unbelievable.

“[Schmeichel] correct. He. She [major awards] It doesn't often go to goalkeepers. I think that's what's really special about hearing those messages from goalkeepers, or having the support of the goalkeepers' union. I suppose we're all really rooting for other goalkeepers to do well. So yeah, that's really nice! “Obviously he's got a great legacy overall, but also at the club, so that's really special.”