Can I buy Mary Earps’ Womens World Cup goalkeeper shirt?

NIKE has spoken out about the controversy surrounding Mary Earps’ goalkeeper shirt.

The Manchester United star, who helped the Lionesses make it to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, has called the company’s decision not to sell her top “hurtful”.

Can I buy the Women’s World Cup goalkeeper shirt?

Fans have been unable to get their hands on Mary Earps‘ goalkeeper top, despite her giving an impressive performance at the 2023 World Cup.

Earps’ top, manufactured by Nike, is not on sale to the public, unlike the shirts of her teammates.

Home and away kits are available for every other Lioness player.

It has been reported that the reason Nike have not been selling Earps’ shirt is because they believe that goalkeepers’ tops do not sell well.

Football fans were outraged by the decision and some even wrote to the clothing company to try and make them change their minds.

One teen football fan said Nike “should be embarrassed” after they failed to respond to a letter she wrote them before the FIFA Women’s World Cup had started.

Following England‘s performance in the World Cup final, and Earps being awarded the Golden Glove award, Nike spoke out about the backlash.

In a 104-word statement the sportswear brand said: “Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.

“We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.

“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with FIFA and the federations.

“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”

A petition demanding Nike reverse their decision had garnered over 128,000 signatures at the time of writing.

Meanwhile, clothing company Alcopop has designed its own, unofficial, version of Earps’ top, with profits to be donated to the Football Without Borders charity.

What has Mary Earps said about Nike’s decision?

Earps has spoken out about Nike’s decision to not sell her top.

She said in July 2023: “I can’t really sugarcoat this anyway so I’m not going to try.

“It’s hugely disappointing and very hurtful.”

She continued: “It’s something that I’ve been fighting behind closed doors.

“I’ve been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.

“For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they’re just going to come out and wear normal clothes.

“All my team-mates, they’ve ordered a lot of shirts for their friends and family.”

She added: “What you are saying is that goalkeeping isn’t important, but you can be a striker if you want.”

FA boss Mark Bullingham also addressed the reaction to Nike’s refusal to sell the shirts.

He told ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott that the organisation has “a plan in place” to resolve fans’ disappointment.

Bullingham said: “I will say that Nike have been a great partner in supporting us in every way out here and we can see how we have a tremendous opportunity to grow women’s goalkeeping and I’m sure they will be a part of that going forwards.”