Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England’s incredible run to World Cup final
MARY EARPS made history as the first goalkeeper to be crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The England goalkeeper and World Cup finalist, 30, pipped Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson to the 70th edition of the prestigious annual award at MediaCity in Salford.
After dazzling on the red carpet upon arrival, she collected the iconic trophy from Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
She is just the second female footballer to be crowned the BBC’s SPOTY – a year after her Lionesses team-mate Beth Mead became the first.
And with Emma Raducanu the 2021 champ, the award has been won by three women in a row, a feat not seen since the 1960s.
Earps, who nearly quit football two years ago, said: “I feel a bit sick, actually.
“I would like to say how humbled I am to be on a stage with such athletes. Sport is a fantastic thing that brings people together.
“Thanks for voting for me, I probably should have started with that!
“This is the ultimate all-round sporting accolade, the Lionesses and United have had an incredible couple of years. It’s not been the easiest journey and I wouldn’t be where I am without some incredible people in my corner.
“They have been with me through the really really not-so-great times.
“The last couple of years have been unbelievable. Thank you to my team-mates and my coaches.
“I don’t know what else to say so I’m going to stop before I get the boot from Gary Lineker.”
Earps enjoyed a superb 2023 for club and country with her standout performances helping Manchester United reach the Women’s FA Cup final.
Her record 14 clean sheets also earned her the Women’s Super League Golden Glove.
The Red Devils tweeted their shot-stopper when the win was announced and wrote: “Huge congratulations, Mary — an incredible achievement to end an incredible year.”
And for England, she was the goalkeeper of the tournament as the Lionesses made it all the way to the Women’s World Cup final.
Popular and charismatic Earps even saved a penalty against Spain but Olga Carmona’s goal proved the difference in Sydney as La Roja were crowned champions.
The England stopper, who also helped her country win the inaugural Women’s Finalissima against Brazil in April, gained plenty of recognition for conceding just four goals at the World Cup as she was voted England Women’s Player of the Year.
And the TikToker with one million followers also finished fifth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or for the world’s best footballers.
Broad came second with Johnson-Thompson third.
Wheelchair tennis ace Alfie Hewett, golfer Rory McIlroy and jockey Frankie Dettori completed the list of nominees for this year.
Among the other winners on the night were Young Sports Personality of the Year Mia Brookes who, at 16, became the youngest snowboarding world champion in history.
Liverpool and Scotland football legend Kenny Dalglish was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award.
Unsurprisingly, Manchester City were named Team of the Year while Coach of the Year went to manager Pep Guardiola and star striker Erling Haaland got the World Sport Star gong after the incredible Treble.
City are currently in Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup aiming to become world champions after winning the Champions League in June to cap off their memorable 2022-23 campaign.
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