Mary Earps Reveals Joyful Same-Sex Relationship in Memoir Ahead of Major Life Moments

Former England national team goalkeeper Mary Earps has taken a significant step in her personal life, announcing to the BBC that she is in a "really happy" same-sex relationship. The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain after a free transfer from Manchester United last July, made the disclosure as part of her memoir, which delves into her journey through football and her struggles with mental health. Earps emphasized that sharing her story was a deliberate choice to ensure it aligned with her own narrative and did not overshadow other critical themes in the book.

Her manager, Tina Taylor, highlighted that Earps aims to inspire others globally by living authentically. "Mary wants to share her story in her own way," Taylor said, noting the overwhelming support Earps received after the 2022 Women’s Euros and her role as vice captain during the 2023 World Cup, where England fell short in the final against Spain. "By being honest about her life away from football, she’s setting an example of courage and self-acceptance."

Earps, who hails from Nottingham, has long been a trailblazer in women’s football, advocating for inclusivity and progress. In a recent BBC interview, she reflected on her decision to come out publicly: "I’ve always kept my personal life separate from my career, but it would’ve felt inauthentic not to include something so important to me in this book." She revealed that her closest friends and family had already known about her relationship, but this marks her first public acknowledgment to a wider audience.

The announcement comes amid a broader shift in sports, where women’s football has seen a rise in openly LGBTQ+ athletes compared to the men’s game. While the 2022 men’s World Cup had no openly gay or bisexual players, the 2023 Women’s World Cup featured over 40 lesbian or bisexual athletes. Earps credited her former Lionesses teammates for their unwavering support after she shared her relationship with them recently.

In the age of social media, where celebrities often control the narrative around their identities, Earps’ choice to come out on her own terms underscores her commitment to transparency. She acknowledged the challenges faced by athletes in the past, such as the 2023 controversy surrounding actor Rebel Wilson, but stressed that her decision was personal and reflective of her values. "I want to tell my story honestly," she said, adding that her ambition to push boundaries and lead by example has always driven her career.

Earps’ journey from a young player earning £25 per game to becoming a celebrated figure in football, including her 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year win and a 2024 MBE honor from Prince William, has been marked by resilience. Her memoir, set to release soon, promises to offer deeper insights into her life both on and off the pitch, reinforcing her role as a pioneering force in the sport.