If anyone doubted Sam Kerr’s exalted status in Australia, confirmation came at the coronation of the new British monarch, King Charles III. The Matildas’ captain was chosen to be her nation’s flag bearer, leading a delegation that included prime minister Anthony Albanese into Westminster Abbey.
It was the latest honour for a woman who will be bearing another significant load at the World Cup: the co-hosts’ hopes of success.
Kerr is the leading goalscorer of her generation and the reason many regard Australia as dark horses at the finals. She has won the Golden Boot in three continents: Australia’s W-League (twice), America’s NWSL (thrice) and England’s WSL (twice), winning Player of the Year awards in all three countries. The 29-year-old has made the top seven in all four editions of the Ballon d’Or Feminin, coming third in both 2021 and 2022, and been shortlisted for the last six FIFA Best Women’s Player awards, finishing second in 2021.
It is highly impressive going for a girl who grew up in a house fixated on Australian rules football, which both her Anglo-Indian father, brother and maternal grandfather played professionally. She only got into soccer at the age of 12 after no longer being allowed to play Aussie rules with boys.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer
The well-travelled Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer after taking charge of the Philippines-his 11th international coaching role
Inter cruise to title number 20
Simone Inzaghi's Internazionale shrug off all challengers before sealing the Serie A title in style against their biggest rivals
HAT-TRICK HERO
Ademola Lookman wrote his name into European football's history books with a hat-trick in the Europa League final
GOING UP
The story of Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres' career has been one of upward trajectory - and there's plenty more to come from the Sporting superstar
Palau soldier on alone
The isolated Pacific nation faces a long and lonely battle to improve football on the island
Brazilian clubs eye Copa number six
As the Copa Libertadores group stage concludes, a sixth consecutive Brazilian winner is looking likely
AI Hilal sweep to another Saudi crown
The first edition of the Saudi Pro League's glamorous new era ends with a familiar title winner
Disasters brewing
There is still a long way to go in World Cup qualifying, but dysfunction reigns at Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria after four matchdays in the group stage
Second round of World Cup qualifying underway
Favourites perform largely as expected, yet Cayman Islands dominate the headlines
