Mary Earps Faces Criticism as Eni Aluko Calls for Respect

Mary Earps controversy has come to the fore once again, as former Lionesses star Eni Aluko publicly defended the ex-England goalkeeper after backlash over comments made in her newly released autobiography. Earps’ candid revelations—particularly those involving her former team-mate Hannah Hampton—have sparked widespread debate within the football community.

Mary Earps Controversy: Inside the Autobiography Storm

The heart of the Mary Earps controversy lies in her book, “All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me,” where she openly discusses her personal and professional struggles. A significant point of contention arose when Earps questioned England manager Sarina Wiegman’s decision to recall Hannah Hampton to the Lionesses squad, suggesting it could be seen as “rewarding bad behaviour.” Hampton, who was previously dropped from the squad, later played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2025 triumph by excelling in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Earps, a two-time Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, also criticized Wiegman for a “clear lack of care for me and my welfare” after she lost her position as England’s No.1. These forthright remarks ignited a wave of criticism, with some questioning the timing of Earps’ tell-all book, given she remains an active player for Paris Saint-Germain.

Eni Aluko Defends Mary Earps’ Right to Speak Out

Aluko, herself an experienced former Lioness, spoke passionately in support of Earps during an interview with Sky Sports. She expressed empathy, noting the personal difficulty of sharing negative experiences from within the national team setup. “Mary has written a book and given her perspective; she is entitled to that perspective,” Aluko stated. “I don’t like this mob culture where people are silenced for simply expressing their viewpoint.”

Aluko acknowledged that the timing of Earps’ revelations, coinciding with Hannah Hampton’s stellar summer performance and the ongoing success of Sarina Wiegman, may have fueled the backlash. She suggested that such honesty is often met with resistance, especially when it disrupts the positive narrative around the national team.

Lucy Bronze Also Stands by Earps

Adding to the defense was Lucy Bronze, another of Earps’ former England colleagues and a respected leader within women’s football. Bronze pointed out the heightened scrutiny female footballers face compared to their male counterparts. “In a football team of 20-30 players, it’s impossible for everyone to agree. There are different personalities and a lot of pressure,” she noted in an interview with The Mirror. Bronze emphasized that women’s football is still too often judged through a critical public lens, making honest self-expression particularly challenging.

Mary Earps Controversy Sparks Debate on Honesty in Sport

Throughout her career, Mary Earps has been known for her fearless approach and willingness to speak her mind. She has made it clear she does not regret her statements and wishes to eventually resolve any lingering tensions with Wiegman. Earps underlined that conflicting perspectives are natural in high-performance environments and expressed her openness to dialogue with anyone seeking clarification.

Despite the storm surrounding her remarks, Earps continues to focus on her club duties with PSG and remains a central figure in the ongoing evolution of women’s football in England and beyond.

The Ongoing Conversation: Freedom of Expression in Football

The Mary Earps controversy not only highlights the challenges of transitioning from international stardom to off-field commentary, but also raises important questions about who gets to control the narrative in elite women’s football. Both Aluko and Bronze’s support of Earps underlines a need for nuanced discussion and respect for differing opinions within the sport.

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Opinion: Speaking Up Should Not Mean Standing Alone

In elite sport, honesty and openness are vital for progress, even when they provoke discomfort. Mary Earps’ willingness to share her experiences—both positive and negative—is a reminder that athletes are individuals with unique stories. While timing can be sensitive, open dialogue should be encouraged, not silenced. The football community must learn to accept differing views, fostering an environment where speaking out does not mean facing condemnation alone.