Mary Earps Returns to WSL with London City Lionesses
Mary Earps has never been one to tiptoe into a new chapter. She prefers the big stage, the heavy spotlight, the noise. On Friday night, her return to the Women’s Super League could bring all of that in one go – and against the club that helped turn her into a global star.
The new London City Lionesses goalkeeper is poised for a possible debut against Manchester United in the season opener (19:00 BST). For Earps, it feels scripted.
“It was meant to be,” she admitted to BBC Sport, reflecting on the prospect of facing the side where she spent five defining years, became England’s number one and twice lifted Fifa’s goalkeeper of the year award.
From Old Trafford hero to visitor again
At United, Earps did more than just keep goal. She became a symbol. More than 100 appearances, an FA Cup, and in 2024 the club’s first major trophy. While there, she anchored England’s Euro 2022 triumph and their run to the 2023 World Cup final, form that catapulted her into the mainstream and onto honours lists.
By the end of 2023 she was BBC Sports Personality of the Year and one of the most recognisable athletes in the country. A mural of her still stares out from a wall near Old Trafford, even though she walked away from United and, later, from the England national team.
Her book, released last November, dragged her firmly back into the eye of the storm and sparked weeks of headlines. Yet when she returned to Old Trafford with Paris St-Germain in the Women’s Champions League last season, the crowd answered with warmth.
“I got a nice reception at Old Trafford and it meant a great deal to me at that time,” she said. “United has changed a lot since I left, but I spent five wonderful years there and I made amazing memories. I won an FA Cup and met a lot of incredible people. I know the fans don’t change – they are still as hardcore as ever.”
On Friday, she will walk back into that noise in different colours, but with the same edge.
Paris, perspective and the pull of home
Earps left United in search of Champions League football and silverware, and PSG delivered both opportunity and anonymity. She made 22 league appearances last season in the Première Ligue and, crucially, gained something less tangible: space.
“I’m grateful for all the amazing love and support that I’ve had over the years, but it was nice to be away,” she said. “PSG is a great club. Getting to experience the Parc des Princes, the French food, the Parisian way of life and the language – I think it was good for me.
“I’m an intense person, especially when I’m on the pitch, so it was good for me to be able to take a period of reflection away from the craziness in England.
“But that being said, I’m incredibly grateful for this platform that I’ve been given so it’s not a complaint. I went away to push myself out of my comfort zone.”
When her contract expired, though, the pull of home grew louder. She missed the rawness of the WSL, the specific crackle that comes with English football.
“Of course, there’s always things that you miss. I’m very, very happy to be home,” she said. “I missed the English football culture – the way you feel when you walk into a stadium, the electricity of the crowd, the feeling around women’s football in this country.
“I knew I was probably going to miss that going away which is why I’m so excited to be back. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.”
A new project, a familiar fight
Earps has not chosen a quiet landing spot. London City have made a statement this summer, assembling a star-studded spine that includes two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi Leon. The ambition is obvious: climb the WSL and stay there.
Into that mix steps a 33-year-old goalkeeper who has seen almost everything the modern game can throw at her – and still refuses to coast. She has signed a two-year deal and insists she is nowhere near done.
She has started London City’s last two pre-season matches but nothing is guaranteed. Elene Lete impressed last term and will not hand over the number-one shirt without a fight.
“The reality of it is that I’ve been here a few weeks and I’m trying to earn my place in the team every single day,” Earps said. “Elene did a great job last year and it won’t be easy between us to see who starts. I think that is another great thing about being part of a fantastic squad.
“I just want to contribute to the team’s success and hopefully that is playing a lot of games and being a part of their history in some small way.”
She has already stepped away from international duty, announcing her England retirement in 2025. That decision has not dulled her competitive edge at club level. If anything, it has sharpened her focus.
“I want to continue to play at the highest level, to win at the highest level for as long as possible and to be a part of something special,” she said. “I really do believe that London City will go on to do great things for a long time. They want to be the best in class and world-leading.
“That is something that I’m always pushing to be – to be the best version of myself as a player and a person every day.
“It’s a great place to be for me to max out on whatever potential I have left. The moment that I don’t think I can learn any more, I won’t continue to play.
“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to give and hopefully there’s some fantastic days around the corner. I’m really looking forward to this chapter.”
The first page of that chapter might just be written under the floodlights, back at the heart of the league she missed, staring down her old club with a new badge on her chest.
