Mary Earps, the England and PSG goalkeeper, epitomizes the adage that champions are made when nobody’s watching. Her move to Paris St-Germain last summer marked a new chapter in her illustrious career, driven by her relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Philosophy of Silence

Earps thrives in the quiet moments, away from the constant scrutiny of English football. She relishes the opportunity to work hard in silence, focusing on refining her skills and pushing her limits. 'I get to go away and work hard in silence and just kind of get on with my job quietly,' she says. This philosophy has been a cornerstone of her success, allowing her to grow as a player without distractions.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Earps has been a pivotal figure in England’s recent successes, including their Euro 2022 victory and the 2023 Women’s World Cup final appearance. Her stellar performances earned her the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award in both 2022 and 2023, a feat unmatched by any other goalkeeper during that period. Additionally, she was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, further cementing her status as a footballing icon.

The PSG Chapter

Since joining PSG, Earps has quickly established herself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making 12 appearances in the club’s 14 Premiere Ligue matches. Despite the team being third in the league, eight points behind leaders Lyon, and an early exit from the Champions League, Earps remains optimistic and driven. 'I'm always thinking about what more I can do,' she explains, setting her sights on winning a third consecutive FIFA Best Goalkeeper award.

The Challenges and the Joys

Earps faces challenges, notably the language barrier, which she humorously acknowledges can delay her responses to teammates. 'It takes me five to 10 working days to respond,' she jokes. However, she embraces the different philosophy of French football, enjoying the tactical and technical aspects of her game that are being honed at PSG.

The Sunshine Personality

PSG goalkeeping coach Mickael Grondin praises Earps’ intuition and sunny disposition. 'Mary's personality is like sunshine. She is full of the joys of life and that's important to me,' Grondin says. Her instinctive understanding of the game and her hardworking nature make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Looking Ahead

As Earps continues her journey with PSG, her focus remains on self-improvement and competing with her past self. 'I'm always competing with yesterday's version of me,' she says, a testament to her unyielding drive and commitment to excellence.