Mary Earps Returns to Women's Super League with London City Lionesses
Mary Earps has never been one to tiptoe into a new chapter. She tends to kick the door down.
On Friday night, under the lights and the cameras and all the noise that follows her now, she could walk back into the Women’s Super League in the most dramatic way possible: lining up for London City Lionesses against the club that made her a star, Manchester United.
“It felt like it was meant to be,” she told BBC Sport, and it does. Five years at United, more than 100 appearances, England’s number one, two Fifa goalkeeper of the year awards, an FA Cup, a first major trophy for the club in 2024. A mural outside Old Trafford. A legacy that doesn’t wash off easily.
From Old Trafford idol to Parc des Princes
Earps left United chasing what the elite always chase – Champions League nights, trophies, a fresh edge. Paris St‑Germain gave her all of that and something she hadn’t really had in England: space.
Two years in France. Twenty-two appearances in the Première Ligue last season. Parc des Princes roars instead of Old Trafford songs. French food, a new language, a different way of living. For someone who describes herself as “intense”, particularly on the pitch, it was a rare chance to step away from the constant glare back home.
“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, she insists, was good for her. A deliberate move out of her comfort zone, a reset away from the “craziness in England”.
The craziness followed, of course. Her book, released last November, triggered weeks of headlines and debate. It stirred controversy but didn’t shake the bond with United’s fans. When she returned to Old Trafford with PSG in the Women’s Champions League last season, they stood and applauded. The mural stayed up. The affection held.
“I got a nice reception at Old Trafford and it meant a great deal to me,” 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.”
Craving home, chasing the WSL buzz
When her PSG contract expired, the pull of home finally beat the lure of Paris. Earps wanted the WSL again. The familiar edge in the air when you walk down the tunnel. The sound of English crowds who have grown with the women’s game and with her.
“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.”
London City Lionesses are betting big on that hunger. Earps is part of a statement summer, arriving alongside two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi Leon. For a club with ambitions of climbing the WSL ladder, these are not quiet moves.
Yet there are no guarantees for a player who has spent the last few years as an automatic pick. Earps has started the last two pre-season games, but Elene Lete impressed last season and will not hand over the gloves 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.”
A new chapter, not a farewell tour
Internationally, Earps has already drawn a line. After playing a crucial part in England’s Euro 2022 triumph and their run to the 2023 World Cup final, she called time on her Lionesses career in 2025. It came after a spell in which she collected personal honours as routinely as clean sheets: BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, global recognition, influence beyond football.
But this is not a wind-down. She has signed a two-year deal with London City and talks like someone who still feels miles away from empty.
“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.”
On Friday, that chapter could open against the club where her story exploded, in front of fans who once sang only her name. A new badge on her chest. The same fire behind her eyes.
