Mary Earps Sparks Debate with New Autobiography
Mary Earps, the former England goalkeeper, has released her autobiography titled “All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me.” The book has stirred significant controversy, particularly due to Earps’ critical remarks about her former manager Sarina Wiegman and teammate Hannah Hampton, which have been widely discussed ever since excerpts were published in The Guardian.
Earps has faced backlash throughout the week, leading her to conduct multiple interviews as part of a public relations effort that, in many cases, seems to have intensified the criticism. The commentary surrounding her relationship with Wiegman and her competition with Hampton has become a hot topic, creating divides among fans and commentators alike.
Throughout the pages of her autobiography, Earps candidly shares her experiences from childhood, addressing issues such as bullying, body image struggles, and the harsh realities of competing at the highest level. Her journey of self-discovery culminated in her standing out as a top goalkeeper, gaining international acclaim along the way.
Just five weeks prior to Euro 2025, Earps announced her retirement from international football, stating her intention to do so “gracefully.” However, she expressed that departing felt more like a painful breakup than a dignified exit. The book unveils her raw emotions about losing what she cherished most and the evolving sense of self that accompanies elite competition.
Nearly a year ago, Earps was at the forefront of England’s football scene, with her name plastered across merchandise as fans celebrated her at Wembley when England faced the United States. Not only had she been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year, but she also held a wax figure at Madame Tussauds and secured back-to-back goalkeeper awards.
Fast forward 11 months, and the narrative has shifted, with Hannah Hampton now viewed as the current and future face of the England team. At a recent game against Australia, merchandise sellers displayed an array of player-themed items, with Hampton and upcoming stars like Michelle Agyemang enjoying popularity, while Earps’ items were visibly less sought after.
In her book, Earps describes the painful transition of losing her No. 1 spot, attributing it to Wiegman’s tactical preference for a goalkeeper capable of effective ball distribution. This transition, along with Earps’ internal conflict about her status within the team, permeates her narrative.
In deep reflections throughout her autobiography, Earps articulates her battles with mental health, self-esteem issues, and the ambivalence of fame. She discusses her long-term relationship with her partner Kitty and her experience with fertility preservation. Her willingness to openly share these personal struggles aims to connect with readers and provide solace to those facing similar challenges.
The core message of the book encapsulates Earps’ quest for recognition—be it from her father, clubs, or the national team. She vividly recalls moments of despair, including feeling sidelined after being promised a spot on the national team, only to find herself on the outside looking in.
However, Earps’ fortunes changed when Wiegman named her as the first-choice goalkeeper, fostering a supportive environment for her to thrive. The subsequent journey culminated in her memorable moments during Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, where her penalty save catapulted her into the spotlight.
Despite the joyous achievements, Earps is now facing the fallouts of her comments regarding Hampton and Wiegman. She expresses sadness over the media attention overshadowing the positive messages in her book, which was intended to highlight her resilience and triumphs.
As the discourse surrounding Earps continues, she maintains her belief in being “unapologetically herself,” acknowledging the spectrum of public opinion regarding her decisions and career. The emotional weight behind her narrative is revealing, questioning whether she was forced out of the limelight or opted to leave voluntarily. Ultimately, her journey and experiences shape a complex legacy that is yet to be fully defined.
n
