Samantha Kerr, Australia
Football
Kerr’s rise from unknown club player in Perth to global superstar has been swift and even more exciting to watch. After plying her trade in Australia’s W-League for eight seasons, the 25-year-old striker is now one of the poster girls for the National Women’s Soccer League in America. Lining out for the Chicago Red Stars, she netted a record 16 goals in 17 matches this term and is a menace for opposition defences across the globe. In 2017, the Fremantle native was controversially snubbed for FIFA’s World Player of the Year accolade despite leading the Matildas to Tournament of Nations glory in America. She scored four times in three matches, including a hat-trick against Japan. To further highlight her influence on the game, she received another nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or Féminin award in November, won by Denmark’s Ada Hegerberg. Never has an Australian female soccer player commanded so much attention, and at 25, has many years ahead to strengthen her case as one of the best players in the world.
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– Kerr made her international debut at 15, coming off the bench in a 5-1 defeat against Italy in 2009.
– She won the Golden Boot award in the National Women’s Soccer League for both 2017 and 2018 seasons.
– Known for her outstanding celebrations, she does a backflip after each goal she scores.
Did you know…
Sporting success runs in the family. Her brother Daniel (35) was an Australian Rules player, making over 200 appearances for the West Coast Eagles before retiring in 2013.
“I’m relaxed and enjoying what I’m doing and when the goals come you have more fun. It’s a ripple effect.” – Samantha Kerr (Source: Guardian Australia)
Twitter: @samkerr1
Instagram: @samanthakerr20
