Latest news with #BBCSportsPersonalityoftheYear
Metro
5 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Lionesses icon blasts Mary Earps over 'awful' timing of shock England retirement
Lionesses icon Siobhan Chamberlain has slammed Mary Earps over his shock England retirement, insisting that her timing has been 'awful'. Former England goalkeeper Chamberlain, who played 50 games for the Lionesses from 2004 to 2018, has accused Earps of throwing a 'grenade' into Sarina Wiegman's plans for the 2025 Women's Euros in Switzerland. Earps, named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 after her performances at the Women's World Cup, recently lost her spot in the England XI to Chelsea's Hannah Hampton and decided to quit this week. Chamberlain has no doubt that England manager Wiegman has been left 'angry' at Earps as she shared her opinion on ITV 4 on Friday evening. Speaking ahead of England's Women's Nations League match against Portugal, Chamberlain said: '[Earps' decision was] a huge shock. 'I don't think anyone expected it and I think it blindsided Sarina Wiegman. She's a meticulous planner. It threw a bit of a grenade into her plans.' Quizzed if Earps had betrayed her country, Chamberlain added: 'There's been a lot of harsh words. I think betrayal is a very harsh word in football but would Sarina have been angry? Would she have been frustrated? Absolutely she would have been and rightly so. The timing is awful.' Earps decision to retire from international duty ahead of this summer's major tournament is a massive blow for England as they look to defend their Euros crown – and has left several former Lionesses disappointed. 'I was disappointed to hear the news,' former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live. 'She has been pivotal to all the success we have had in recent years. She has had an incredible international career and it will leave a gaping hole.' England boss Wiegman, speaking on Thursday about the bombshell news, said: 'I'm really disappointed, I want her in my team.' Despite her international retirement, Earps is still continuing her club career with French side Paris Saint-Germain, having joined them in 2024 from Manchester United. Earps, who was crowned The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023, has announced that she is taking a break from social media. 'It's been a difficult and emotional few days – I can't tell you how much I appreciate every single message of support,' she posted on Instagram. More Trending 'I'm coming off socials for a bit. There are a few pre-planned contractual ads that need posting. 'So my management will be running my account while I'm gone. 'Wishing the girls all the best for the game tonight and on Tuesday – I'll be cheering you all on.' Earps, who earned the nickname 'Mary Queen of Stops', played a total of 53 games for England, helping the country land the Euro 2022 trophy. MORE: Ian Wright aims dig at Arsenal men's team after Women's Champions League win MORE: Arsenal stun Barcelona to win Women's Champions League final MORE: Man Utd's Grace Clinton bullish ahead of FA Cup final: 'Chelsea aren't invincible'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mary Earps and the end of an England career that was a testament to willpower
Mary Earps and the end of an England career that was a testament to willpower The urge that arises when a spectacular athlete calls it a day is to pull out the highlight reel. When it comes to Mary Earps, who announced her retirement from international football on Tuesday, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper boasts her own air-tight vault. From lying prostrate on the kitchen floor, believing her time in football had run its course after failing to be selected in the England squad for nearly two years between 2019 and 2021, to transcending her sport, the 32-year-old has made a mark. Advertisement Earps ends her 53-cap England career as a reigning European champion; two-time FIFA's Best goalkeeper; winner of the 2023 World Cup Golden Glove; England Women's Player of the Year for 2022-23, BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023 and the first women's footballer to be honoured with a waxwork at Madame Tussauds in London. The 32-year-old's face also graced a tram in Nottingham, her home city. And who can forget Earps' iconic penalty save from Spain's Jenni Hermoso in the 2023 World Cup final, a feat of the coldest proportions that she then one-upped by yelling at the entire Spanish team to (this is paraphrasing, of course) go away, the game ball tucked under her arm like a soccer mum protecting her child's orange slices. Or how about when Earps took on Nike for the sports apparel behemoth's failure to manufacture replica women's goalkeeper shirts during that tournament — a row which she subsequently won, altering the landscape of women's football manufacturing. And now, her international retirement: a global headline that has reconfigured news cycles (and impending Euro 2025 documentaries and squad decisions). Advertisement That Earps has reached this point is a testament to perseverance and willpower. The early years of her playing career were nomadic, eight different clubs — Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Doncaster Belles, Coventry City, Birmingham City, Bristol Academy, Reading, Wolfsburg — across a decade as she hunted for a place where she could flourish. On the international stage, a similar story unfolded. Life occurred as she waited in the wings. At the 2017 European Championship, Earps was the fourth-choice goalkeeper, so not among the official party of 23. Named in the squad for the World Cup two years later, she never made an appearance. Patience became not a virtue but a way of life. She started against Germany in front of nearly 78,000 people at Wembley in November 2019, a sure-fire sign of the stars finally aligning — or so she thought. She did not play for England again for nearly two years. Quitting altogether became a consideration. Advertisement Earlier in 2019, Earps signed for Manchester United and from there, she began establishing herself as one of England's greatest shot-stoppers, transforming the position of women's football goalkeeper from something that was lampooned by the game's fiercest critics into one of power and prestige. It was Earps' league record 14 clean sheets in the 22 matches of the 2022-23 season that helped United finish a club-best second in the Women's Super League, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time as a result. She also helped United to a first major cup final, albeit losing that game 1-0 to Chelsea. The following year, Earps would be crucial to United's second run to the FA Cup final, ultimately defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 to lift the team's first major trophy. Her efforts at club level led to an international recall under new manager Sarina Wiegman in November 2021, a catalyst for England's historic successes in the years following as they became one of the global game's best: European champions and World Cup finalists. Inevitably, Earps' on-pitch successes triggered a movement: Earps the brand, Earps the celebrity, Earps the LinkedIn-posting, ambassadorial entrepreneur. All under the umbrella of Earps the footballer. Advertisement This transcendence is as much down to Earps' ability on the pitch as her conviction in herself off it. Her departure from United was rooted in this sentiment. In her statement last summer explaining that choice, she cited a need to 'better herself', to find value that matches her own assessment. The Nike row has its roots here, as does this decision to step away from the international spotlight. For the past three years, women's football has travelled on a skyward trajectory. Much of that is down to incorrigible female forces such as Earps, individuals who know their worth and demand that others also know it. But Earps has always worn her heart on her sleeve. Her inconsolable tears after the dramatic 3-2 win against the Netherlands in a December 2023 Nations League match were a reminder of her vulnerability, the almost-impossible standards she holds herself to. Advertisement It is why this announcement arrives with a stinging sense of sadness. England without Earps threatens to feel surreal, their goalkeeper having become such a foundational block of the team's recent successes (she kept 26 clean sheets in those 53 appearances) and its emotional bellwether. The past few months of Earps' footballing existence have revolved around a contest for an England place between her and Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. Experienced veteran versus this season's treble-winning new blood, eight years her junior. For a footballer who knows what it is to play second-fiddle, perhaps it is not too shocking that Earps did not wish to return to that space, nor did she wish to force someone to be in it. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, Soccer, International Football, UK Women's Football 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mary Earps announces surprise retirement from international football ahead of Euros title defence
England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football, a surprise move coming just five weeks before this summer's European Championships. She won 53 caps for the side and played a major role in the Lionesses' Euros triumph in 2022, starting every game, but will not play a role in their title defence this summer. Her role as England's No 1 has come under threat recently, with Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton starting the last three games for the international side. Earps, 32, described playing for the national team as 'the greatest honour and privilege of my life' but said that it was the 'right time' for her to hang up her boots. She said: 'I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. 'Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.' The former Manchester United keeper saved a penalty in the World Cup final in 2023 as England lost 1-0 to Spain. She won the Golden Glove at the tournament and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, as well as being named Best Fifa Women's goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023. She had been set to feature in Sarina Wiegman's squad in Switzerland this summer but her decision to step away means Hampton will be England's No 1 at the tournament. Wiegman said in April that the Chelsea keeper was 'a little bit ahead' in the battle for the starting spot at the Euros. 'I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,' Wiegman said of the decision. 'Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept. 'Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. 'We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Women's Nations League fixtures and the Euros.' Hampton, Manchester City keeper Khiara Keating and Orlando Pride's Anna Moorhouse will be in the England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, against Portugal on Friday and Spain on Tuesday.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Mary Earps' life off the pitch from major setback to mysterious love life
Away from the football pitch, England Lioness goalkeeper Mary Earps spends time with her nearest and dearest at home and has lavish holidays abroad to Dubai, Madrid and Greece England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been making waves in her sporting field, but when she's not on the pitch, she leads a jet-setting lifestyle filled with luxury breaks. Despite her glamorous life and impressive football achievements, the 32-year-old has also faced her fair share of tough times. If you watched the women's World Cup back in 2023, you'll remember Earps' incredible penalty save when the Lionesses were up against Spain in the final. The moment went down in history, despite England's defeat, but Earps was recognised for her standout performance. She was awarded the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper at the tournament and, in the same year, took home the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Fast-forward two years, and Earps is still close with her fellow Lionesses and was spotted supporting some of her teammates for the Women's FA Cup match against Chelsea and Manchester United. But what has the star been up to in the last few years? The England goalie swapped Man U for a new life in the French capital when she joined Paris St-Germain last summer. Speaking of her new adventure, she told BBC Sport: "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". Here, the Mirror takes a closer look at her life away from the pitch... Supportive family The Nottingham-born ace is close with her family and has said they all keep her grounded with her newfound success. Speaking to GQ Magazine, she recounted how playing football in the garden with her dad and brother sparked her ambition to turn professional. With the unwavering support of her parents, who ferried her to matches and training sessions, she joined a local club. "I was playing a local Saturday match and saved a penalty," she reminisced, pinpointing the moment she realised her future was in goalkeeping. When it came to her FIFA Best Award nomination, her parents were the first to hear the news. Overwhelmed by the honour, she expressed to BBC Sport: "I was blown away [to be nominated]. There aren't loads of awards around for goalkeepers," showcasing her humble nature despite her accolades. "I texted my mum and dad straight away. They humbly replied with just 'well done'. It was a standard Earps family reply, super chilled. It's really nice and the real icing on the cake. It doesn't happen often and it never really happens to me so I forget [these awards] exist in a way. To be named on the shortlist, it came out of the blue, and it was really cool." As well as achieving numerous awards, Earps has been supported by her local community and even has a bus named after her in her hometown, West Bridgford, near Nottingham. She is often stopped for photographs and spotted in the street by fans, though it's taken some getting used to. She told Vogue:"A lot has changed since our Euros win, including the profile of the game. I'm trying to adjust to and enjoy the attention that comes with success. Not that I would have it any other way." Setback But it wasn't always smooth sailing for the top-notch goalie; she once believed her professional aspirations were dashed. Back in September 2020, after tirelessly working for Manchester United, she was hoping for a comeback on the English team – yet, she missed the cut. She found herself behind goalkeepers Carly Telford, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton, and Sandy MacIver in the pecking order. The crushing blow drove Mary to the floor of her kitchen, where she crumbled emotionally. She recalled: "I got to a point where I felt I had sort of reached my limits. I had given football a good go, but wasn't quite good enough. I had responsibilities, I had a mortgage and it wasn't adding up." However, Earps didn't give up the sport and worked relentlessly for another two years, earning her spot back on the national team and shining at the 2023 Women's World Cup. "We don't fear anyone", she boldly stated ahead of one game against Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium, becoming a beacon of inspiration for many. Part-time jobs and degree Before Earps became a star in English football, she was working part-time jobs just to scrape together enough money for petrol to make it to training with Doncaster Belles. She juggled jobs at a cinema and toy shop, gave football coaching, and even pitched in at her dad's firm. Recounting her journey on Jill Scott's podcast, she said: "That summer I was just moving on to my A-Levels, I had a job in the cinema, a job at a kids' toy shop, two coaching jobs and I worked with my dad's business, where I was doing some telesales work for him. I had quite a few jobs to pay for my boots and petrol basically." She went on to describe how there wasn't much cash in footie during her early days: "I used to get expenses with Doncaster but there was no real money in the game back then. At first I had not passed my driving test so I was relying on my local team-mates for help. There was a girl who even drove from Southampton up to Doncaster and used to pick me up on the way. It is mad how the game has changed since then." Despite the hectic schedule, Earps managed to earn a degree in Information Management and Business Studies from Loughborough University, taking an additional year at school to achieve her entrance requirements. Celebrating on Instagram, she wrote: "Today I graduated from one of the top universities in the country, the university that I've always dreamed of attending, with a 2:1 degree in Business... and it's safe to say that the stress, sweat, tears and sleep deprivation were all worth it. Thank you for a challenging and unforgettable four years." Jet-setter and love life Away from football, the pro player lives her best life, travelling the world and spending time with her loved ones at home. A glance at her Instagram account (@1maryearps) reveals her adventures in Paris, Madrid, Dubai, Australia, and Berlin. Mary often shares carefree, sun-kissed photos from her getaways, showcasing her lighter side. Her sense of humour is also evident, as seen in a Greek holiday snap captioned: "I can finally say that I've been to Greece, better late than feta." Another photo of her rowing in Spain is accompanied by the witty remark: "When you're trying to do a cute pout but forget you don't have a top lip." Despite being the Lionesses' TikTok sensation with 1.2 million followers, where she frequently participates in trending challenges and shares behind-the-scenes match footage, Earps keeps her love life out of the spotlight. it is unknown whether she is in a relationship.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Andy Murray trumps Harry Kane as his full net worth revealed – but he trails two sport stars in Sunday Times Rich List
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TENNIS ace Andy Murray has been named amongst Britain's richest under-40s. The Sunday Times Rich List for 2025 has revealed where the Scottish sporting legend ranks amongst the country's wealthiest celebs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Harry Kane is the only footballer on the list Credit: Getty 5 Rory McIlroy is the highest earning sport star with an eye-watering figure Credit: Getty 5 Scotsman Andy Murray ranks amongst the richest Credit: Reuters Despite retiring from the playing court almost a year ago, the Dunblane hero finds himself sitting pretty as one of just four sportsmen on the list, above one of football's finest. Sir Andy Murray is 35th in the rankings with a net worth of around £110million, putting him three places higher than Bayern Munich's Harry Kane by a margin of about £10million. Throughout his time Murray took home two Olympic gold medals, three grand slams, and was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year on three occasions. Just this month, the striker Kane picked up the first major trophy of his career aged 31 when his side won the Bundesliga title. He's played for England more than 100 times and played the bulk of his football for Tottenham Hotspur, where he picked up the Premier League Golden Boot for being top goal scorer three times. At just under £200million boxer Anthony Joshua comes in at 24th, while the richest sportsman under 40 is 19th overall Rory McIlroy. He picked up eye-watering prize money when he completed a career grand slam last month by winning the Masters and has a net worth of £260million. Lewis Hamilton topped the table last year but has since passed the age cap, and Raheem Sterling and Gareth Bale have also dropped out in the past year. While no other athletes make the list, Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe comes in at seventh in the overall list for any age group of the country's wealthiest. The INEOS man gained control of the club's footballing operations last year and his net worth is over £17billion, which is actually a significant fall over the previous year. Andy Murray shows off his rapping talents on A League Of Their Own Outside of the sporting world plenty of recognisable names can be found. Daniel Radcliffe, the actor famous for playing Harry Potter, is on the list despite not having a movie acting credit to his name since 2022. In music, the likes of Dua Lipa, Adele, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran are all amongst the ultra-wealthy, while Sir Elton John's £475million has him 283rd in the overall chart. 5 5 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
