MARY EARPS made history as the first goalkeeper to be crowned BBC Sports Person of the Year.
The England goalkeeper and World Cup finalist, 30, edged out Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson at the 70th edition of the prestigious annual award at MediaCity in Salford.
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Mary Earps is BBC Sports Person of the Year 2023 Credit: PA
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She came out on top in the public vote in the 70th edition of SPOTYCredit: PA
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The Manchester United and England goalkeeper has enjoyed a glorious 2023. Credit: PA
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Katarina Johnson-Thompson was third and Stuart Broad second.Credit: PA
After glowing on the red carpet upon arrival, she collected the iconic trophy from Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
She is only the second footballer to be crowned the BBC’s SPOTY – a year after her Lionesses team-mate Beth Mead became the first.
And with Emma Raducanu, the 2021 champion, three women have won the award in a row, a feat not seen since the 1960s.
Earps, who almost retired from football two years ago, said: “I feel a little sick actually.
“I would like to say how humbled I am to be on stage with these athletes. Sport is a fantastic thing that brings people together.
“Thanks for voting for me, I probably should have started with that!
“This is the ultimate all-round sporting accolade, the Lionesses and United have had an amazing few years. It hasn’t been the easiest journey and I wouldn’t be where I am without some amazing people in my corner.
“They’ve been with me through really really not so great times.
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“The last few years have been amazing. Thanks to my teammates and my coaches.
“I don’t know what else to say so I’ll stop before I get the boot from Gary Lineker.”
Earps enjoyed a stellar 2023 for club and country with her excellent performances helping Manchester United reach the FA Women’s Cup final.
Her record 14 clean sheets also earned her the Women’s Super League Golden Glove.
The Red Devils tweeted their shot-stopper when the win was announced, writing: “Huge congratulations Mary — an incredible achievement to end an incredible year.”
And for England she was the goalkeeper of the tournament as the Lionesses reached the final of the Women’s World Cup.
The popular and charismatic Earps even saved a penalty for Spain, but Olga Carmona’s goal proved the difference in Sydney as La Roja were crowned champions.
The England stopper, who also helped her country to victory in the inaugural Women’s Finalissima against Brazil in April, earned plenty of plaudits for conceding just four goals at the World Cup when she was named England’s Player of the Year.
And the million-following TikToker also finished fifth in the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
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Alex Scott, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan presented an evening with Gary Lineker Credit: Splash
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Broad was joined on the red carpet by Mollie KingCredit: Splash
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Kenny Dalglish was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Alan Hansen Credits: PA
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Young Sports Person of the Year went to 16-year-old snowboarder Mia BrookesCredit: PA
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Alfie Hewett attended the evening but Rory McIlroy and Frankie Dettori did not Credit: PA
Broad was second and Johnson-Thompson third.
Wheelchair tennis ace Alfie Hewett, golfer Rory McIlroy and jockey Frankie Dettori completed this year’s list of nominees.
Among the other winners that evening was Young Sportsperson of the Year Mia Brookes, who at the age of 16 became the youngest snowboarding world champion in history.
Liverpool and Scotland football legend Kenny Dalglish has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Unsurprisingly, Manchester City were named Team of the Year while Coach of the Year went to manager Pep Guardiola and star striker Erling Haaland was awarded the World Sports Star gong after an incredible Treble.
City are currently in Saudi Arabia at the Club World Cup aiming to become world champions after winning the Champions League in June to cap off their memorable 2022-23 campaign.
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Earps won the Golden Glove at the Women’s World CupCredit: Reuters
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She saved a penalty in the final against SpainCredit: Getty
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Earps continues to play between the sticks for Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
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She is incredibly popular with her fans on TikTok as well. Credit: Getty
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