Sam Kerr’s return celebrated in Matildas’ friendly win over South Korea

The Matildas picked up a confidence-boosting win on Friday night, but the biggest cheers were reserved for a superstar in the stands.

The Matildas have recorded a breakthrough 1-0 win over South Korea on a night the Australian fans welcomed the return of superstar Sam Kerr.

The Chelsea striker isn’t yet fit enough to return to the fray, following the ruptured ACL she suffered in January last year.

But the 31-year-old was back in the Australian squad this week after a prolonged absence and was in the stands at Allianz Stadium, receiving rapturous cheers whenever she was shown on the big screen.

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While there has been ongoing speculation over whether Kerr should retain the captaincy when she does return to the field, there is no doubt she remains the Tillies’ most popular player.

Kerr was found not guilty in February on one charge of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in a UK court.

The incident may have tainted the prolific goalscorer’s reputation in some circles, but not among the legion of fans among one of Australia’s most popular national teams.

Sam Kerr got a huge reception whenever she was shown on the big screen. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Veteran Emily van Egmond’s dangerous cross was headed into the Korean net by Lim Seon-joo in the 54th minute as the Matildas broke the deadlock in the first of two friendlies against the Asian powerhouse.

In a promising display for the Aussies in front of 37,199 fans, late substitute Mary Fowler agonisingly missed adding a second goal when her 79th-minute strike flashed just wide of the right post.

But the sight of Kerr among the fold, and clearly so close to a return on the pitch, was among the biggest talking points on the night.

“It’s perfect timing,” former Matilda Elise Kellond-Knight said on Paramount Plus.

“It’s really intelligent of the coaching squad to bring her in at this moment.

“To have a player with such charisma like Sam to lead the team, even though she won’t play tonight, still that attitude around the team brings so much energy.

Charlotte Grant watches on as Lim Seon-joo’s header finds the net. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“We all know what she’s like, she’s a ball of fun but she’s also a great leader, so I’m sure she’s going to have a big impact, even though we’re not going to see her on the field.

“It will still be felt on the field.”

Grace Hill, another retired Matilda in the broadcast team, added: “It’s important for Sam to be back in the mix.

“A leader … and welcomed back with open arms, thousands of screaming fans, that was palpable.

“It will be palpable tonight on the big screen, Sam Kerr, such a key feature for this Matildas squad.”

So it proved as Kerr was shown to the crowd shortly after kick-off in Sydney.

“Wonderful reception for Sam Kerr,” former Aussie midfielder Amy Chapman said in commentary.

“You can see just how much she’s loved by all Australians and fantastic to see her back around her teammates.

“It’s been a tumultuous 18 months for Sam. It’s difficult, a long way from home, an ACL recovery is very tough.

“So it’s great to see Sam back in the mix and hopefully one step closer to seeing her back on the field.”

Those watching on were also quick to herald Kerr’s return to the national set-up.

Fans packed in to watch the popular side once again. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Journalist Patrick Brischetto posted on X: “Sam Kerr getting a huge cheer every time she appears on the big screen in Sydney.”

Content producer Evan Morgan Grahame tweeted: “[laughing, turning to camera] Hi, I’m Sam Kerr … and yeah, they’re cheering for me.”

Writer Rebecca Turner said she was “emotional seeing Sam Kerr Pitchside”.

Not everyone was aware Kerr wouldn’t be playing on Friday night.

Disappointed blogger Melissa Blackwood tweeted: “I really thought Sam Kerr was back playing tonight and have been excited for the game since I heard about it.”

The superstar isn’t back just yet, but after a long, careful recovery from injury, the sight of Australia’s record goalscorer pulling the boots on once again isn’t far away.

The Matildas ended a poor recent run with their first win of 2025 and take on South Korea again in Newcastle on Monday.

Originally published as Sam Kerr’s return celebrated in Matildas’ friendly win over South Korea