Sam Kerr’s multiple accolades this week remind us of her solidified standing on the world stage. So it’s all lining up for the Matildas captain to finally claim football’s top individual honour, writes Ash Matosevic.
The countdown is on for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is set to kick off in host countries Australia and New Zealand in exactly one year.
So what a week it was for football in Australia, as superstar Matilda Sam Kerr ramped up celebrations with news she’s on the cover of EA’s FIFA 23 global editions, alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe. The West Australian’s appearance on FIFA 23 marks the first time that a female player will feature on the game’s global edition.
With 56 goals from 108 appearances for Australia to her name, Kerr’s appearance on the cover is a big step forward for women’s sport and in particular, women’s football. And her season with Chelsea no doubt was a factor in securing the accolade. After returning from the Asian Cup, her 29-goal campaign helped the North London giant score a league and cup double.
So it’s no surprise that she’s now also just been crowned Best International Athlete, Women’s Soccer at the ESPYS. The 28-year-old’s prolific year sees her join a high-calibre list of other Australian nominees; major winners Cameron Smith, Minjee Lee and Ash Barty.
One award that has remained elusive for one of the best footballers on the planet, though, is football’s highest individual honour, the Ballon d’Or. Kerr was edged out by Alexia Putellas last season and Megan Rapinoe in 2019. And despite being unable to showcase her stardom at the current UEFA Women’s EURO, which is currently up to the Quarter Final stage, Kerr’s incredible 12 months will have her in the running once again this October.
In January this year, Sam surpassed Tim Cahill to become Australia’s all-time leading international scorer. She’s won the Golden Boot in three different leagues (W-League, NWSL and FAWSL) and claimed the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award last month.
Though she is already one of Australia’s best ever footballers, her prolific rise in multiple leagues across the globe has helped her build an incredible international profile as well. Whether or not Kerr adds the Ballon d’Or to her trophy cabinet later this year, or at some point, it’s clear the rest of the world is noticing what Australia has known for years now. Let’s enjoy it.
Embed from Getty Images
