Manchester United’s goalkeeper Mary Earps has been voted BBC Sport Women’s Player of the Year.
The Lionesses star is the first-ever goalkeeper to win the award.
In 2023, Earps cemented her status as the number one keeper in the world by winning The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award. Despite losing the World Cup final against Spain, she still managed to distinguish herself by becoming only the second keeper in history to save a penalty kick in the final match.
Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr were also in the running for the award.
After collecting her award, Earps told BBC Sport: “I am truly honoured. To be the first keeper to get their hands on the award is special and I am incredibly grateful. To be honest, I thought Bonmati might take it. I mean, what a player. There has been a lot that has happened this year. Obviously, we’ve had the World Cup. We’ve had everything that’s gone on with the goalkeeper shirts. I’ve had the whole goalkeeper union behind me, it seemed like. Not even just that, just incredible support from the public and many people. Last year was an incredible season for United. I think it’s been an incredible year, an incredible couple of years. I’m just trying to make the most of everything really.”
On another note, Earps is the odds-on favourite to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year on December 19 following her heroics at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Earps was crowned the tournament’s Golden Glove winner.
Odds to win BBC Sports Peronality of the Year:
- Mary Earps 8/11
- Stuart Broard 9/4
- Frankie Dettori 8/1
- Katarina Johnson-Thompson 12/1
- Jude Bellingham 20/1
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
