In a dramatic turn just five weeks before England kicks off its European Championship title defense, Mary Earps, the decorated goalkeeper and face of the Lionesses’ golden era, has announced her sudden retirement from international football at the age of 32.
The decision, delivered to teammates during a closed-door meeting at St. George’s Park on Monday, has sent ripples through the football world, leaving fans and teammates stunned. Earps, a central figure in England’s triumphant Euro 2022 campaign and the 2023 Finalissima victory, said she was stepping aside to allow a new generation to flourish.
“It’s the right time,” Earps wrote on social media. “All good things must come to an end.”
Her retirement comes amid growing speculation over her position in the squad after Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton was named starter in recent fixtures. Though selected for this week’s Nations League clashes with Portugal and Spain, Earps chose to exit the camp, forgoing what would have been a fourth major tournament appearance.
BREAKING: Mary Earps has announced her immediate retirement from international football 🚨 pic.twitter.com/506KTx11Zs
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 27, 2025
“I had hoped that Mary would play an important role this summer,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman, who admitted the decision came as a surprise. “Of course I am disappointed.”
Fellow Lionesses expressed shock and sorrow. “She’s an incredible person and goalkeeper,” said defender Jess Carter. “It’s a huge loss.”
A Towering Career, A Thoughtful Goodbye
Earps’ tenure between the posts has been marked by resilience, passion, and advocacy. Voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 and twice named FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper, she was lauded for her performances at last year’s World Cup, where England reached the final.
But Earps’ influence went far beyond the goal line. In 2023, she publicly challenged Nike’s failure to make replica goalkeeper kits available during the World Cup—a stand that sparked widespread conversation about gender equity in sport. “I gave my heart and soul,” she said in her retirement message. “I left it all out there.”
The Nottingham-born keeper now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, having left Manchester United last summer. Though PSG ended the current season without silverware, Earps’ legacy remains gilded: a Bundesliga title and cup with Wolfsburg, the FA Cup with United, and a lasting impact on women’s football in England.
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Between the Posts: How Mary Earps Redefined Goalkeeping
Earps’ contributions to football have been recognised far beyond the pitch. She was mary named the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper in 2022, following her standout performances at the UEFA Women’s Euros and in the Women’s Super League. She also earned a place in the FIFA FIFPro Women’s World XI, and was honoured as England Women’s Player of the Year in 2023. Her commanding presence and vocal leadership set a new standard for goalkeeping and inspired a generation of players.
A New Era Dawns
As England pivots toward Euro 2025, Wiegman must now prepare without mary one of her most seasoned players. Hampton is poised to step into the spotlight, but Earps’ absence will be felt—not only for her shot-stopping heroics but for her leadership and conviction.
For a team that has inspired a nation, Earps was both anchor and advocate. Now, from the sidelines, she’ll watch the next chapter unfold.
“This is a new era,” she wrote. “And I’m looking mary forward to watching them this summer.”
