'Social media isn't real life' - Lionesses & Man Utd star Mary Earps admits her 2023 wasn't 'all sunshine and rainbows' despite World Cup final appearance and SPOTY nod

The England goalkeeper has had a sensational 2023, earning BBC Sports Personality of the Year for her performances with United and the England national team. Earps became the seventh footballer to win the prize and the second women's player after Lionesses team-mate Beth Mead after helping her country reach their first World Cup final since 1966. She had been equally impressive between the sticks for the Red Devils during their run to a second-place finish in the 2022-23 WSL with just 12 goals conceded in 22 matches, the best record in the competition.

However, Earps admitted that she also had her fair share of struggles in 2023 and insisted that not everything on social media is real. She wrote on Instagram in a post running down her best moments: "2023, you’ve been magic. I could never have imagined half of the things that have come my way this year in my wildest dreams. There will never be another year like it. But I need to say, none of it is possible without my teammates, I owe them so much and hopefully I can repay them in the years to come.

"I have to be honest, it’s not been all sunshine and rainbows, though it might seem that way from the highlight reels of social media. Social media isn’t real life. But you can’t have flowers without a little rain and I know I’m so blessed. I’m so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people who inspire me and guide me every day. This year I’ve learnt more about myself than probably any other year, it’s been filled with joy, tears and everything in between - but most of all gratitude and learning. 2024, I’m ready for you 💫 Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2024!"

Apart from the SPOTY, Earps has also scooped theBBC Women's Footballer of the Year,Sportswoman of the Year at the British Sports Journalism AwardsandEngland Women's Player of the Year. She finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting, and also earned praise for pushing Lionesses' shirt manufacturers Nike into performing a U-turn on selling replica Women's World Cup goalkeeper's jerseys.

Earps is currently enjoying her winter break and will return to action on January 14 in an FA Women's Cup fourth-round fixture against Newcastle United. That outing will be followed by a blockbuster WSL clash against defending champions Chelsea on January 21.