Mary Earps Book Sparks Debate as Eni Aluko Offers Support

Mary Earps’ autobiography has ignited a storm of discussion in English women’s football, with former Lionesses star Eni Aluko stepping forward to defend the legendary goalkeeper’s right to share her truth. The two-time Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper has come under scrutiny for her candid revelations in her new book, especially her comments regarding ex-England teammate Hannah Hampton and national team manager Sarina Wiegman.

Mary Earps Book: A Bold Move in Women’s Football

Mary Earps’ book, “All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me”, details her journey on and off the pitch. Notably, she addresses Wiegman’s decision to recall Hannah Hampton to the England squad, suggesting the manager may have been “rewarding bad behaviour” after Hampton’s earlier exclusion from the team. Hampton later played a crucial role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph, becoming a penalty shootout hero.

Despite her achievements, Earps did not shy away from criticizing Wiegman, claiming she experienced a “clear lack of care for me and my welfare” before losing her starting spot. The directness of her account and the fact that she released her autobiography while still an active player have divided opinion within the football community.

Eni Aluko: Defending Earps’ Perspective

Eni Aluko, herself a former Lioness and respected football pundit, spoke to Sky Sports in support of Earps. She emphasized that players deserve to share their perspectives without fear of being “demonised.” Aluko explained, “Mary has written a book, she has given her perspective, and she is entitled to that perspective. I don’t like this sense of mob culture where you try to silence someone for just giving their perspective.”

Aluko also acknowledged the timing of the book’s release as a possible point of contention, noting that while some wait until after retirement to publish such reflections, Earps is within her rights to set her own timeline. The former Chelsea striker sympathized with Earps for facing public backlash, recalling her own experiences of scrutiny after speaking out about the England environment.

Lucy Bronze and the Pressure on Female Athletes

Earps has found further backing from Lucy Bronze, her former England teammate and close friend. Bronze commented on the extra scrutiny female players endure, stating, “Female players are constantly under a magnifying glass. In a football team you have a group of 20-30 players—there’s no way everyone will think the same things.” Bronze highlighted the unique pressures faced by women footballers, who are consistently judged both on and off the pitch, unlike many of their male counterparts.

Earps: Unapologetic and Seeking Resolution

Throughout her career, Mary Earps has never been afraid to voice her opinions, and her latest statements reflect her uncompromising attitude. Earps has expressed hope for reconciliation with Wiegman, with talks planned to resolve any remaining tension. She recognizes that differences in perspective are natural in elite sports, especially in environments with strong personalities and high expectations.

Now playing her club football in France with Paris Saint-Germain, and having collected 53 England caps, Earps continues to be a prominent figure in women’s football. She hopes her book will “draw a line” under the recent controversies, but remains open to discussing her views with anyone who seeks clarification.

Mary Earps Book and the Shifting Landscape of Women’s Football

The release of the Mary Earps book comes at a pivotal moment for the women’s game, which is seeing unprecedented levels of interest and debate. Earps’ willingness to speak candidly is a reflection of growing empowerment among female athletes, who are increasingly using their platforms to address complex issues within their sport. For those interested in staying updated on the latest developments, visit for more news.

Opinion: Honest Dialogue Strengthens the Game

Mary Earps’ choice to publish her story now, despite the backlash, exemplifies the courage required to challenge norms in elite sport. While timing can be debated, authentic voices like Earps’ are essential for progress. Rather than silence or criticism, football should make space for open, honest dialogue—because ultimately, it makes the game stronger for everyone involved.