How Long Will Mary Earps Hold Honour?

Ex-Lionesses Goalkeeper Awarded with Official Entry in Guinness World Records Book

In football, legacy isn’t just about the number of matches played or trophies lifted—sometimes, it’s about impact. And Mary Earps, the ever-reliable shot-stopper and former England No.1, has made sure hers will be remembered in the most unique way possible: by writing her name into the Guinness World Records.

The 32-year-old, who recently shocked the football world by announcing her retirement from international duty, now holds a place in the Guinness annals for being the only player to win the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award twice. But as history celebrates her, a question naturally arises: how long will she hold this honour?

In a sport defined by evolution and fierce competition, even the most celebrated records are ultimately temporary. But for now, Mary Earps’ name stands alone, etched in gold—both on the pitch and now in the world’s most iconic record book.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mary Earps didn’t bow out quietly. Her announcement to retire from the England setup came as something of a bombshell. Still widely considered one of the best goalkeepers in the women’s game, she seemed to have plenty left in the tank. But after 53 caps, a European Championship medal, and a World Cup runners-up finish, Mary Earps decided it was time.

The timing caught many off guard. At 32, she is still relatively young in goalkeeping terms—many of her peers continue well into their late 30s. There was no prolonged media buildup, no farewell tour. Just a heartfelt message and a clear decision.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mary Earps’ career has never been about flash. She is not the type to dominate headlines with bravado. Instead, her path to greatness was paved with grit, consistency, and a quiet belief in her craft. From being overlooked earlier in her career to later becoming England’s undisputed No.1, Mary Earps’ story is one of perseverance and defiance.

Her performances at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 were nothing short of spectacular. At both tournaments, she was a cornerstone of England’s success—pulling off clutch saves, commanding her box with authority, and showing nerves of steel when it mattered most.

This wasn’t lost on the footballing world. In back-to-back years—2022 and 2023—she was crowned FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper, a feat no one else has achieved to date.

And now, that feat has been immortalised.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mary Earps England

The Guinness World Records recognised Mary Earps for being the only goalkeeper in women’s football history to win the FIFA Best award twice. While trophies often reflect a moment, a Guinness World Record captures something more enduring—a momentous “first” or “only” that withstands the test of time.

Earps now belongs to that rare group of athletes whose careers have been honoured not just by fans or federations, but by the global record-keeping institution that celebrates human achievement at its highest level.

And yet, the record also comes with a sense of curiosity: Will anyone catch up?

WHAT NEXT FOR Mary EARPS?

Though she’s stepped away from international football, Mary Earps isn’t hanging up her gloves just yet. She’s still turning out for Paris Saint-Germain, where she signed in early 2025 after a long and successful stint with Manchester United. Her move to the French capital came with high expectations—and so far, she’s met them.

PSG were in need of an experienced and commanding presence between the posts, and Mary Earps has delivered. Ligue 1 Féminine is highly competitive, and with UEFA Women’s Champions League fixtures also on the calendar, Earps is far from done.

So while the international stage may be behind her, the club stage still offers fertile ground for new chapters—and perhaps even more accolades.

ENTER CATA COLL: THE CHALLENGER TO THE CROWN?

Mary Earps has officially been awarded an entry in the Guinness World Records book, but how long will she hold that honour for?

If there’s one name that keeps coming up when talking about who might someday dethrone Mary Earps’ record, it’s Cata Coll. The Barcelona and Spain goalkeeper is just 24 years old, but she’s already made her presence felt at the highest level.

Coll finished second in the voting for FIFA Best Goalkeeper two years running. While second place might not bring home a trophy—or a Guinness certificate—it does hint at momentum. And momentum in football is a powerful thing.

The young Spaniard is technically sharp, mentally resilient, and continues to grow under the pressure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football. With Barça Femeni sweeping titles and Spain boasting one of the most promising national squads, Coll’s future looks incredibly bright.

If anyone can match or surpass Mary Earps’ dual win, Coll is the most likely candidate. But records aren’t broken overnight. It will take not only exceptional form but also consistency over multiple seasons to match what Mary Earps has achieved.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

While the conversation about records can sometimes veer into the hypothetical, there’s a deeper significance here. Women’s football is evolving, rapidly. Records, milestones, and international honours like this don’t just reflect individual brilliance—they also highlight the sport’s growing legitimacy, history, and recognition.

For years, women’s football lacked the visibility and institutional respect it deserved. Players like Mary Earps are changing that. Her record stands as proof that excellence in the women’s game is not only recognised—it is now officially documented.

These moments matter for the next generation. For every young girl dreaming of becoming a goalkeeper, this is a signpost. A record they can aim to break. A role model to look up to. A statement that women’s football has its own heroes, its own stories, and yes—its own Guinness World Records.

LEGACY BEYOND NUMBERS

What Mary Earps has done cannot be measured solely by caps or medals. Her journey has inspired countless fans, and her dignified presence—on and off the pitch—has helped redefine what it means to be a goalkeeper in the modern women’s game.

She wasn’t always the first choice. In fact, there was a time when she wasn’t called up at all. But she clawed her way back—not with fanfare, but with hard work and belief.

Now, she walks away from international football not only as a European champion, not only as a two-time FIFA Best award winner, but as a world record holder.

And that, no matter how long it lasts, is a legacy to be proud of.