Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps says she isn’t sure she’s ready for the spotlight again after signing for the London City Lionesses.
The 33-year-old returns to the Women’s Super League after two seasons with Paris St-Germain and a self-described step back from “the craziness of England,” as she put it in a BBC interview last year.
Like many high-profile female athletes, Earps has faced social media abuse during her career, and some questioned her winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. She also drew criticism from fans and Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor over comments about former England team-mate Hannah Hampton and manager Sarina Wiegman in her autobiography, published last November.
Asked if she’s prepared for renewed scrutiny in England, Earps told BBC Sport: “I don’t know. You know, I think the game can be noisy and that’s hard to deal with sometimes. It kind of comes with the territory a bit and how social media has boomed.
“But I guess it’s one of those things. I’m a believer that you’ve got to take the good with the bad. We’ve been working really hard to build the game on socials for so many years. It is hard sometimes.
“I don’t know is the honest answer to that question but it’s also a big compliment about where the game is. You’ve got to take the rough with the smooth sometimes.”
Earps joins a London City team reshaped by American businesswoman Michele Kang since her takeover in December 2023. Kang’s investment has energized the club, which finished sixth in its debut WSL season after promotion in 2025.
“She’s a powerful woman in business and as someone who’s got a passion for business, I’m pretty inspired by businesswomen,” Earps said. “We had a conversation. With all the other things that she has going on and all the ventures, I was impressed that she could make any time for me at all.
“Her energy is really infectious and I think you’ve seen it over the years, her investment [in women’s sport] has been consistent. It’s clear that she has a real passion and energy for women’s sport as a whole. We had a really great conversation and I’m really excited to be involved in the club.”
A Euro 2022 champion who helped England reach the 2023 World Cup final before retiring from international football last year with 53 caps, Earps has signed a two-year deal with London City.
“I’m not ready for the real world yet. I’m ready to make the most of everything that comes my way,” she said. “I’m in a bit of a different phase of my career. I don’t want to say old, but let’s say experienced, a little bit wiser, knowing who I am as a person and what’s important to me.
“This club and this project feels special to be a part of, in terms of what they’re trying to do in women’s football and women’s sport.
“I feel like our values and personalities kind of align in what we want to do. I’m hoping that’s going to be really fun every day.
“But yeah, [I’m] probably the same old Mary with maybe a little bit more wisdom, personality, passion, energy, just trying to work hard to be the best player and person that I can be every single day and every time I cross the white line.”