Mary Earps Finds Solace and Growth in PSG Move
In the world of football, where the spotlight often shines brightest on the English Premier League, one player has found a new path to personal and professional growth away from the limelight. England’s goalkeeper, Mary Earps, has embraced her move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with open arms, appreciating the opportunity to hone her skills in a quieter environment.
Earps, who was honored with the FIFA Best goalkeeper award in both 2022 and 2023, made the transition to the French capital in 2024. Since then, she has relished the chance to step away from the intense scrutiny of English football. “Champions are made when nobody is watching,” Earps told the BBC, capturing the essence of her journey.
Reflecting on her decision, Earps shared, “I’ve kind of gone away from the craziness of England. I get to go away and work hard in silence and just kind of get on with my job quietly.” This sentiment resonates with many athletes who seek to refine their craft without the constant pressure of public attention.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper joined PSG from Manchester United, where she had been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for four seasons. During her tenure, she helped the team secure the Women’s FA Cup in 2024, a fitting farewell before her move to France.
Earps believes that her move abroad will ultimately make her a “better player.” She explained, “It’s been an amazing few years, but I’m always thinking about what more I can do.” Her drive to improve is evident in her ambition to achieve a third consecutive FIFA Best goalkeeper award. “I’ve been named best goalkeeper in the world for two years and I did it two years running, which no goalkeeper has done in that time, but I’m thinking I want to do it a third time,” she said.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence is fueled by a personal mantra: “I’m always competing with yesterday’s version of me, and that’s what’s really important to me, how can I be better than I was yesterday?”
However, the transition to a foreign league has not been without its challenges. Earps candidly discussed the difficulties of communication when playing for a team where language barriers exist. “That’s probably been the biggest challenge so far — trying to get on the same page in the exact moment when the English and the French doesn’t quite mix,” she admitted. “If you’re in a stadium full of people, plus the language, plus the timing, that just adds a whole new level of complication.”
Despite these hurdles, Earps remains committed to her role with PSG, who currently sit third in the French Première Ligue, trailing leaders Lyon by eight points.
- Mary Earps moved to PSG in 2024.
- She won the FIFA Best goalkeeper award in 2022 and 2023.
- PSG is currently third in the French Première Ligue.
- Earps previously played for Manchester United, winning the Women’s FA Cup in 2024.
As Earps prepares to rejoin her reigning European Champion side, England, for their upcoming Nations League match against Portugal on Friday, she continues to embody the spirit of a true champion, striving for greatness both on and off the field.
Originally Written by: ESPN
