Homecoming queen

Starring at a World Cup on home soil is the perfect opportunity for Sam Kerr to crown herself the queen of the women's game

- SAM KERR

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.