Mary Earps to make history with Madame Tussauds waxwork

England goalkeeper Mary Earps will become the first women’s footballer to be honoured with a waxwork at Madame Tussauds.

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner came out top in a public vote to be remade as a lifesize statue at the world-famous wax museum.

Madame Tussauds announced its intention to create a wax figure of a Lioness at its iconic London museum following England’s performances at last summer’s World Cup, where Earps was one of the Lionesses’ standout players.

The Manchester United goalkeeper earned the nickname ‘Mary Queen of Stops’ during the tournament for her array of impressive displays.

She saved a Jenni Hermoso penalty that momentarily kept England in the World Cup final, where Sarina Wiegman’s team were eventually edged out 1-0 by Spain.

Earps won the tournament’s Golden Glove and received widespread acclaim for her campaign to push sportswear brand Nike to make England’s women’s goalkeeping kit available for sale.

After the tournament, Madame Tussauds invited members of the public to decide which Lioness should be turned into a waxwork and displayed at its London museum.

Earps, who was also crowned the Fifa Best women’s goalkeeper of the year in 2023, is understood to have dominated the public vote.

It marks the first time a women’s footballer will be immortalised with a wax figure in the museum, which counts Olympic medallists, tennis champions and male football heroes among its sizeable collection of sporting waxworks.

The news is set to be formally announced in the coming weeks, although a source told The Sun newspaper: “The public vote was pretty comprehensive. Mary cleaned up.

“She’s a national icon and an inspiration, especially to young girls and aspiring footballers who admire her courage, pluck and sheer athletic talent.

“Her waxwork unveiling will be another big step for women’s football after decades of only men getting the privilege.”