Football Daily Exclusive: Mary Earps on life in the spotlight, fertility and recent reactions to her book
Nov 8, 2025
Mary Earps, the England goalkeeper, shares her journey from school bullying to professional success in women’s football. She candidly discusses her struggles with body image, panic attacks, and the support that helped her stay resilient. Her relationship with Sarina Wiegman and decision to publicly share her same-sex relationship are also highlighted. Mary delves into the realities of low wages in the WSL, her experiences freezing her eggs, and the overwhelming reactions to her book extracts, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and hope.
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Childhood Bullying Shaped Her Confidence
- Mary Earps recounts severe childhood bullying that made her withdrawn and cautious in team settings.
- She says those experiences taught her to find strength to stand up for herself later in life.
Panic Attacks And A Supportive Coach
- Earps describes having panic attacks linked to overthinking and stressful coaching interactions.
- She credits goalkeeper coach Ian Wilcock for immediate understanding and support during that period.
Aesthetics Clash With Performance
- Earps links aesthetic pressure to performance demands and media exposure in the women's game.
- She notes aesthetics and athletic performance often conflict, creating unhealthy pressures.