'I Had Taken on a Global Sports Giant and Won'
The 2023 World Cup was marked by several shocking moments that would have been unimaginable in the men's game. One was the infamous kiss between Spain's football federation president Luis Rubiales and England's gold medal-winning goalkeeper Jenni Hermoso, which led to his resignation and prosecution.
But for Mary Earps, the England goalkeeper who made a world-class penalty save in the final, there were three huge talking points that centered around her. Firstly, she had been given a new nickname - Mary Queen of Stops - after her incredible save was hailed as heroic and even perfect by fans worldwide. People who weren't into football were excited about it too, praising her execution, composure and - for women - passion and delivery.
What was remarkable about Earps' save was that she wasn't surprised by the attention it received. She had been doing the same thing throughout her career, with consistency and composure that was only now being recognized. "I was buzzing that it had achieved that," she said. "But I was also taken aback by the stage on which it was seen." The save was unprecedented in the women's game.
The third talking point - and perhaps most significant - was Earps' high-profile campaign against Nike for failing to sell replica Lionesses goalkeeper shirts during the tournament. She had called out the sports giant for their lack of support, and her message resonated with fans worldwide. A young girl named Emmy even started a public petition that gained over 130,000 signatures, calling on Nike to do better.
Nike eventually issued a public response, saying they were working towards solutions for future tournaments. Earps replied on Instagram, asking if their apology was enough - and the response was immediate. The press coverage picked up again, with fans rallying around her in a battle that was not just about goalkeeping but representation and equality.
In essence, Earps had taken on a global sports giant and won, entirely from a place of choosing her principles. Her bravery and determination paid off when Nike eventually U-turned and released replica shirts, which sold out with each restock. The move marked a significant victory for the women's game and a testament to Earps' enduring legacy as one of the sport's greatest goalkeepers.
The 2023 World Cup was marked by several shocking moments that would have been unimaginable in the men's game. One was the infamous kiss between Spain's football federation president Luis Rubiales and England's gold medal-winning goalkeeper Jenni Hermoso, which led to his resignation and prosecution.
But for Mary Earps, the England goalkeeper who made a world-class penalty save in the final, there were three huge talking points that centered around her. Firstly, she had been given a new nickname - Mary Queen of Stops - after her incredible save was hailed as heroic and even perfect by fans worldwide. People who weren't into football were excited about it too, praising her execution, composure and - for women - passion and delivery.
What was remarkable about Earps' save was that she wasn't surprised by the attention it received. She had been doing the same thing throughout her career, with consistency and composure that was only now being recognized. "I was buzzing that it had achieved that," she said. "But I was also taken aback by the stage on which it was seen." The save was unprecedented in the women's game.
The third talking point - and perhaps most significant - was Earps' high-profile campaign against Nike for failing to sell replica Lionesses goalkeeper shirts during the tournament. She had called out the sports giant for their lack of support, and her message resonated with fans worldwide. A young girl named Emmy even started a public petition that gained over 130,000 signatures, calling on Nike to do better.
Nike eventually issued a public response, saying they were working towards solutions for future tournaments. Earps replied on Instagram, asking if their apology was enough - and the response was immediate. The press coverage picked up again, with fans rallying around her in a battle that was not just about goalkeeping but representation and equality.
In essence, Earps had taken on a global sports giant and won, entirely from a place of choosing her principles. Her bravery and determination paid off when Nike eventually U-turned and released replica shirts, which sold out with each restock. The move marked a significant victory for the women's game and a testament to Earps' enduring legacy as one of the sport's greatest goalkeepers.
I'm low-key impressed by Mary Earps' confidence and conviction. She wasn't about to just let Nike walk all over her, even if it meant going public with her concerns. It's like she's trying to spread a message that goes beyond just winning a championship - it's about making a difference in the game itself. The fact that she didn't back down when faced with backlash only adds to her credibility as a leader and an athlete. I mean, sure, it's awesome that she got Nike to release those shirts, but what's even more inspiring is how she used her platform to bring attention to a cause that might've otherwise been ignored. She's not just a hero on the pitch, she's a symbol of change off it too 
I gotta say, Mary Earps is a total boss 
, which is more than most people can say. But at the same time, I'm a bit skeptical about how far this whole thing went. Was it just a clever PR move by the Lionesses squad? And what's with all the drama around the Nike shirts? Can't we just celebrate Earps' amazing goal and her passion for women's football without making it out to be some kind of revolution? 
Still, kudos to her for being a trailblazer and using her platform for good 
.
! Taking on Nike wasn't easy, but she stood her ground and got results - I mean, who wouldn't want a bunch of replica shirts with their face on them? 
But seriously, it's awesome that she called out Nike for not supporting the Lionesses and sparked change. It shows that even in sports, you can make a difference when you speak up. The fact that her message resonated with fans worldwide is a testament to her impact on the game. However, I do wish there was more attention on equal pay for women's sports - it's still a big issue out there 
.
. She didn't let Nike push her around just 'cause they're global giants 
.
... everyone from young girls to adults were rallying around her because they believe in equality and representation 
. But what if this was more than just a feel-good story? What if it was a wake-up call for corporations and leaders to start listening to their customers and doing the right thing? 
. It's crazy how Nike got roasted for not having her back on those shirts... I mean, come on! 
You can't just release a statement and expect it to fly without some real action 
. Earps didn't hold back and called them out, which is exactly what we need more of in sports - strong women who aren't afraid to speak up 
That's what I call winning 
I'm loving Mary Earps' balls to play Nike like that! The girl's got sass and she's not afraid to use it. I mean, who expects to get signatures on their petition? 
It's about time someone called out a massive company like Nike for being slow to act on equality. And yeah, the fact that they eventually caved is kinda sweet revenge for Earps. But let's be real, this isn't just about one person - it's about the movement and the conversation she sparked. We should all be cheering her on for taking a stand 
the thing that really stood out to me was how Mary Earps wasn't surprised by all the attention she got after that penalty save... I mean, it's clear she's been doing her job with consistency and composure for a long time, but what's even more impressive is that she called out Nike for not supporting women's football. Like, a lot of people might have just kept quiet about it, but Earps took a stand and started a petition 
- it was so inspiring to see her choose her principles over some major brand 
I mean, we all knew she was talented, but girl power on steroids! 
. I mean, you gotta respect the girl's spunk. She wasn't afraid to speak up for herself and what's right, even if it meant going against a big brand. And yeah, I get why people are still buzzing about that penalty save - it was pretty amazing 
. But let's be real, Mary didn't become an icon just because of one game or one save. She's been doing this level of goalkeeping for years, and she knows her stuff.
.
! I mean, who else can just chill on the pitch, save a few goals, and then call out a global brand for not supporting women's sports properly? 
. And the response from Nike was like, totally on point