Mary Earps stole the spotlight in the just-concluded 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as she heroed through to the final of the tournament to clinch the best goalkeeper award.
Despite losing the tournament to European neighbors Spain, Mary Earps shone bright for England in the final, saving Hermoso’s late spotkick to keep England in the game.
The Manchester United goalkeeper clinched the Golden Glove award and helped England win silver medal.
However, it appears English fans did not have enough of their prolific World Cup shotstopper.
Futballnews learnt Mary Earps’ England shirt was not on sale throughout the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.
It is understood Nike and England FA have an agreement which made Nike, FA’s official partners in designing and supplying the Lionesses’ kit, not to feature Mary Earps’ kits in it online store.
Mary Earps’ shirt was expected to be floated on Nike’s certified stores for purchase by interested fans but it was nowhere to be found. The development has reportedly left English fans fuming on such “hurtful snub” by Nike.
While Nike’s decision to drop Mary Earps’ shirt has raised eyebrows, Nike apparently did not envisaged the high demand for a goalkeeper shirt in the tournament but were caught unawares when Earps starred in the tournament to trigger the craze for her shirt by English fans.
Nike reacts to backlash
In a carefully-worded response to the backlash, Nike affirmed the brand’s resolve to look into the concerns and make amends, while reiterating their unflinching commitment to women’s football.
Nike’s statement addressing the backlash by English fans reads;
“Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final
“We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.
“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with Fifa and the federations.
“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is a testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”
Mary Earps reacts to Nike’s blunt snup
Mary Earps, who is at the center of the row, also complained bitterly of how Nike singled out her shirt for ‘No top sales,’ refusing to float it in the market for interested fans.
“It’s very hurtful how Nike has been singling out the No 1 shirt for No top sales. It’s a very scary message that’s being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that ‘you’re not important,” Mary Earps said.
Who is Mary Earps?
Mary Alexandra Earps, 30, is a English professional women’s footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for England women’s national team and Manchester United women in Women’s Super League.
Born on 7 March 1997 in Nottingham, England, Earps started his professional career with West Bridgford Colts and Leicester City.
She transitioned to Leicester City first team in 2009 but did not make any appearance for the club. After a year stint with the Foxes’ women, Earps joined Nottingham Forest in 2010 and made 4 appearances for the club in another one-year stint.
His career started gaining momentum when she joined Doncaster Rover Belles in 2011, making 27 appearances for the club.
After a year with Doncaster Rover Belles, Earps joined Birmingham City in 2013 before moving to Bristol Academy in 2014.
She also had stints with Reading and German club, VfL Wolfsburg. In 2019, Earps signed for Manchester United, who were just promoted to the top division. She has gone on to establish her career at Manchester United, making 80 appearances for the club.
Mary Earps has a great career with the Lionesses of England. She rose through the ranks in England national team, playing for U-17, U-19, and U-23 levels before making his debut with the Lionesses in 2017.
She has won 41 caps with the team and has won the 2022 UEFA Women’s Championships and 2022 UEFA CONMEBOL Finalissima.
Earps starred for England Women’s national team in the just-concluded 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the final of the tournament and producing a fine save against Spain Hermoso’s spotkick to keep the scoreline respectable.
She won the tournament’s golden glove emerging unrivaled as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Mary Earps Manchester United contract, and salary and net worth
Mary Earps entered into a new contract extension with Manchester United in 2021, signing a two-year deal till this summer with an option of an extension. Her estimated annual wage at the club is £400,000 while her net worth is £5m.
