28 November 2023 , 09:16
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Mary Earps has won the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year for 2023 after an outstanding calendar year for club and country.
Earps, 30, won the Golden Glove at the FIFA Women's World Cup finals over the summer during England's remarkable run to the final.
Although the Lionesses were beaten 1-0 by Spain, Earps produced a standout moment with a superb second-half penalty save to deny Jenni Hermoso. The Manchester United goalkeeper topped a five player shortlist which also included Aitana Bonmati, who won the Ballon d'Or and Chelsea star Sam Kerr.
Fridolina Rolfo of Barcelona finished fourth, while Vfl Wolfsburg and Germany striker Alexandra Popp ended up in fifth place. Earps, who kept three clean sheets at the World Cup, is the first goalkeeper to win the award, which was claimed by Beth Mead last year after she starred in England's first major trophy win at Euro 2022.
"I am truly honoured," the 30-year-old told BBC Sport. "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.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
"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 (Manchester) 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."
Earps was key as Manchester United came narrowly close to winning the WSL and the FA Cup, only to lose out to Chelsea at the final hurdle in both. The United stopper kept 14 clean sheets for Manchester United in 2022-23, a league record.
Earps is currently back with the England squad, preparing for two decisive UEFA Nations League fixtures against Netherlands and Scotland over the next week.
And it might not be the only individual award she claims this year. The England No.1 is the current favourite with most bookmakers for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, with some pricing her as odds-on to claim the title.
Although Earps is expected to face competition from retired England cricketer Stuart Broad and legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, her performances for the Lionesses are expected to give her the edge in the public vote. The award will be decided on December 19 at MediaCity in Salford, where the England women's senior side will be in the running for the Team of the Year gong.
Mead became the first women's footballer to claim the award, 12 months ago after edging out Ben Stokes in the final vote. Earps finished fifth in the Ballon d'Or feminin last month and fourth in the UEFA Women's Player of the Year award.