Sam Kerr finishes second in voting for the Ballon d’Or Féminin

Sam Kerr’s superstar status not just in Australia but around the world was confirmed despite missing a major award.

Sam Kerr is a global superstar. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

A hat-trick of goals for the Matildas on Sunday was evidence of the sort of superstar qualities that earnt captain Sam Kerr second place in the Ballon d’Or Féminin, the most prestigious individual award in football.

Kerr may have ditched the somersault from her goalscoring celebrations because she “just turned 30” but her powers are not being diminished by age as evidenced by her feat to come second in voting behind Spanish superstar Aitana Bonmati, who led her own nation to World Cup victory.

Underlining Kerr’s star status is the fact she has finished in the top 10 every year since the women’s award was founded in 2018 and third for the past two years.

Kerr led Chelsea to a domestic double last season with 29 goals in 38 appearances and continued her record-breaking feats with the Matildas, including captaining the side to a best-ever World Cup finish of fourth.

Sam Kerr continues to score goals. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

She wasn’t the only Australian to feature in the voting, with national teammate Hayley Raso, who became the first Australian to play for and score for Real Madrid, finishing 17th in the polling.

It was the first time two Australians had ever been nominated for football’s highest individual honour.

Kerr, who collected a “dream” haul of goals in front of family and friends in her home town of Perth against the Philippines on Sunday, said she had fought hard to get to where she was in her life and career.

“It’s a long journey, it’s a hard journey. You’ve just got to keep at it,” Kerr said.

“Everyone has ups and downs in their career. It’s just a journey. Lots of hard work, lots of sacrifice – maybe missing a friend’s party or two on the weekend.

“You’ve got to love it. You’ve got to be in it.

“I think just getting over those hurdles for me was really important as a young kid.

“I could have given up many times, but I didn’t because I love it. We’re all here now because of the sacrifices and hard work.”

Kerr will be back in action for the Matildas against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.