Mary Earps Returns to WSL with London City Lionesses

Mary Earps has never been one to tiptoe into a new chapter. She prefers to run straight at it. On Friday night, her return to the Women’s Super League could hardly be scripted with a heavier twist: a possible debut for London City Lionesses against Manchester United, the club that shaped the prime of her career.

She calls it “meant to be”. It certainly feels that way.

Back to where the story took off

Earps arrives back in England as far more than a former United goalkeeper. During five seasons in Manchester she became England’s number one, twice crowned Fifa’s goalkeeper of the year, and the face of a team breaking new ground. She made more than 100 appearances, lifted the FA Cup in 2024 – United’s first major trophy – and built a bond with a fanbase that still sings her name.

“United has changed a lot since I left,” she told BBC Sport, reflecting on her Old Trafford return with Paris St-Germain in the Women’s Champions League last season. The reception that night stayed with her. “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.”

Those United years also ran parallel with England’s rise. Earps stood firm through Euro 2022 glory and the run to the 2023 World Cup final, performances that pushed her into the national spotlight and onto award stages. BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 underlined just how far a goalkeeper – and a women’s footballer – could cut through.

The mural outside Old Trafford remains as a reminder. So does the noise that surrounded her off the pitch, particularly last November when her book triggered weeks of fierce debate and headlines.

Paris, perspective and a pull back home

By the time she left United for PSG, Earps wanted more than medals. She wanted Champions League football and a little distance from the constant glare in England. She found both in Paris.

Two years, 22 appearances in the French top flight, and a different pace of life.

“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,” she said. The move gave her room to breathe. “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.

“I’m grateful for all the amazing love and support that I’ve had over the years, but it was nice to be away… I went away to push myself out of my comfort zone.”

The break did not cool the affection back home. When PSG faced United at Old Trafford, the crowd responded with warmth and applause. The connection had survived the distance.

When her contract in Paris expired, the pull of England grew stronger. She wanted the WSL again. The stadium walks. The noise.

“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, familiar ambition

Home, this time, is not Manchester but London City Lionesses – a club with serious ambition and serious star power. Earps joins a squad now headlined by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi Leon, a trio of names that instantly changes the temperature around the club.

This is not a gentle wind-down. Earps has signed a two-year deal and talks like someone who believes there is still another level to hit.

“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.”

She has already started both of London City’s last two pre-season games, but nothing is being handed to her. Elene Lete impressed last season and the number one shirt is not guaranteed.

“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.”

Life after England, not after football

Earps has already closed one door. Her international retirement, announced in 2025, ended a defining chapter with the Lionesses. But she has no intention of stepping away from the club game.

“It’s a great place to be for me to max out on whatever potential I have left,” she said of London City. “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.”

For now, the focus is simple: Friday night, a new badge on her chest, an old club in front of her, and a WSL crowd ready to judge, cheer, and remember.

If this is the start of Earps’ final act, she is determined it will be played on her terms – in English stadiums, under English lights, chasing one more wave of history.