theguardian.com
Mary Earps Documentary Highlights Goalkeeper's Career and Retirement
Mary Earps: Queen of Stops", a documentary about England women's goalkeeper Mary Earps, premiered on iPlayer in late May 2025, shortly after her retirement announcement; it chronicles her career, from early struggles to winning the Euros and reaching the World Cup final, showcasing her personal journey and advocacy for women's football.
- What are the key achievements highlighted in the documentary about Mary Earps, and what is their broader significance for women's football?
- Mary Earps: Queen of Stops", a documentary about the England women's football goalkeeper, premiered on iPlayer in May 2025, shortly after Earps's surprise retirement from international football. The documentary, airing on terrestrial television in June, highlights Earps's career achievements, including winning the Euros in 2022 and reaching the 2023 World Cup final, where she won the Golden Glove award. It also covers her advocacy for an England women's goalkeeper replica shirt.
- How does the documentary portray the challenges and rewards of Mary Earps's career, specifically addressing her periods of adversity and triumph?
- The documentary traces Earps's journey, from her early days playing for West Bridgford Colts to her current position at Paris Saint-Germain. It showcases her determination and resilience, particularly during a period of being dropped from the England team and her subsequent return to international success under manager Sarina Wiegman. The film interweaves game footage with personal reflections from Earps and her teammates, offering insights into the pressures and rewards of elite sports.
- What insights does the documentary offer into the future of women's football, considering Mary Earps's retirement and the broader context of her career?
- The film's release shortly after Earps's retirement creates a bittersweet narrative. While celebrating her accomplishments, it underscores the often solitary nature of a goalkeeper's role and the emotional toll of high-pressure competitions. The documentary also implicitly comments on the evolving landscape of women's football, showcasing both the progress made and the challenges that still exist for female athletes aiming for professional careers. The timing also suggests a reflection on the legacy she leaves behind for the upcoming Euros.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames Earps as a determined and exceptional athlete who overcomes adversity. This is evident from the very title "Queen of Stops" and the overall tone of the documentary. The structure prioritizes her personal journey and achievements, emphasizing her struggles and eventual triumph, making her appear as a heroic figure. The documentary's timing, appearing shortly after her retirement announcement, adds to this framing, making it feel more like a celebration of her career.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, which is appropriate for a documentary of this nature. However, terms like "Queen of Stops" are somewhat hyperbolic and could be seen as subjective rather than objective descriptors. The use of the phrase "gamble" to describe her career choice is also somewhat loaded, implying that choosing a professional football career is inherently risky, which may not accurately reflect the reality for all female athletes.
Bias by Omission
The documentary focuses heavily on Earps' career highlights and struggles, but omits details about other significant players or broader issues within women's football. While this is understandable given the documentary's focus, the lack of context about the overall landscape of women's football could leave viewers with an incomplete picture. For example, there's no mention of the pay gap or other systemic issues affecting women in the sport. The omission of her parents' viral moment is also a minor point but it is a memorable anecdote which would have further highlighted her public image.
False Dichotomy
The documentary implicitly presents a false dichotomy by suggesting that athletes must choose between athleticism and charisma. While it acknowledges that Earps possesses both, the narrative subtly implies that this is unusual or exceptional, potentially downplaying the many athletes who successfully combine both qualities. This framing could unintentionally discourage viewers from recognizing similar examples.
Gender Bias
While the documentary celebrates Earps' achievements, it doesn't explicitly address broader gender issues in women's football. The focus remains primarily on her personal journey, without delving into systemic inequalities or gender stereotypes within the sport. Although many of her teammates are mentioned, the documentary doesn't focus on their personal experiences or stories. The descriptions of her teammates are positive and supportive, which is not inherently biased, but the lack of in-depth exploration of their individual contributions beyond their role in Earps' story could be seen as a subtle form of bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The documentary highlights Mary Earps' journey in professional football, showcasing her perseverance and success in a male-dominated field. It implicitly addresses the challenges women face in sports and promotes female empowerment. Her fight for a replica shirt, and her overcoming setbacks, serves as an example for aspiring female athletes.