Sam Kerr is Australia’s greatest-ever footballer, period.
What a goal. That semi-final screamer is a moment I don't think any Australian will forget any time soon.
Despite only starting one game for the tournament, her influence both on and off the field was felt throughout Australia.
While it ultimately ended in heartbreak, Kerr showed that when Australia needed something special she is the one they call upon.It's that sort of standard that has the Matildas' captain has become known for without her career, and makes her not just one of the greats but the great.
Australia has undoubtedly had some icons over the years, the likes of Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell, and Julie Dolan.But there’s no doubt now that Sam Kerr is the standard bearer when it comes to this sport in this country - and here’s why.Sam Kerr has led the Matildas to multiple important wins, leading by example and having the goalscorer record to match.
While undoubtedly, the likes of the aforementioned Cahill have put in important performances for the Socceroos, Kerr has been instrumental for Australia for almost 15 years now.
Selected as part of the 2010 Asian Cup squad as a 16-year-old - her first-ever international goal epitomises what she’s all about.As a teenager, she scored her first-ever goal in a crucial group stage tie against South Korea and unleashed her trademark backflip celebration to the world.
She truly began to kick on in 2016 and 2017, with exquisite performances at the Rio Olympics and the Tournament of Nations.
By 2019 she was captaining the Matildas at the FIFA World Cup, and showcasing her scoring prowess once again.
With Matildas needing a win in the final game of the group stage against Jamaica, Kerr provided four goals (including the perfect hat trick) to help her team to the knockout stages.At the 2020 Olympics, she scored six goals on the course to Australia’s first semi-final match at the tournament, hitting the back of the net against the likes of the United States, Great Britain, and Sweden.
Her ability to pounce on a loose ball, be in the right position, and ensure the ball nestles in the net, is second to none - not even Tim Cahill’s.
In January 2022, she surpassed the former Socceroos legend’s international goalscoring tally, with her 61st goal - cementing her status as Australia’s greatest international performer.
Despite having a tournament plagued with injury problems at the 2023 FIFA World Cup, she was leader off the field, and proved one she is one of the best players in the world with a semi-final strike that will be talked about for years to come.Australians have played for some pretty great teams in top-flight leagues.
Tim Cahill played for Everton, Aaron Mooy for Brighton, Hayley Raso and Mary Fowler for Manchester City, Harry Kewell for Liverpool, and Sam Kerr for Chelsea.
But none of them have had the success that Australia’s number 20 has had domestically.
At Chelsea alone she has been instrumental in winning the FA Women’s Super League, for four seasons in a row - that’s a dynasty in itself.
In the last three, the Blues have won the FA Cup as well, with Kerr scoring in all three finals, in fact, five goals in those games - she’s a big-time player.
Of course, goalscoring records, golden boots, and individual accolades have come along with that - but more on that later.
There’s no doubt she is key to so many teams’ success.
Even in her time in the formerly named W-League, she won the Premiership with Perth Glory in 2014, and the Championship with Sydney FC in 2013.
In the United States, which has arguably one of the best women’s leagues in the world, she was part of the Western New York Flash who earned the most points in the regular season in 2013.And with the Chicago Red Stars in 2019 she helped the side to the final where they finished runner-up that season - and of course, she finished top goalscorer across the league.
She’s a perpetual winner, and a teammate any footballer would be lucky to have.
Access our platform effortlessly on-the-go through our user-friendly mobile apps.
𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴. We’re more than just a social platform — from jobs and blogs to events and daily chats, we bring people and ideas together in one simple, meaningful space.
