Sam Kerr named Asia’s women’s player of the year

Sam Kerr was close to being crowned the best player in the world, but her star status has been confirmed by winning another massive award.

Sam Kerr is Asia’s best. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Sam Kerr may have been voted the second best player in the world, but she‘s clearly the best player in Asia and was officially named Asia’s women’s player of the year.

A day after the Matildas captain came second in voting for the Ballon d’Or, Kerr was rewarded for another stunning year at both club and international level.

Socceroos and Melbourne City star Mathew Leckie flew the flag for the men too, coming third in voting behind Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari.

The awards were handed out for the for the first time since 2019 having been suspended for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s the second time Kerr has been named Asia’s best player after winning in 2017.

Samantha Kerr is the AFC Women’s Player of the Year!

The Australia and Chelsea forward continues to be amongst the leading stars of the women’s game! #AFCAwards2022pic.twitter.com/AsLdFfqWVi

— AFC (@theafcdotcom) October 31, 2023

On Monday, Kerr finished runner-up to Spain‘s World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati in the voting for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, having twice come third.

Kerr’s Matildas teammate Steph Catley said the high level Kerr had produced over such a long time was worthy of winning.

“It’s been tough to watch because she has probably been the most consistent best player in the world over the last however many years,” she said.

“She’s getting closer and closer and I am sure she will grab one at some stage. I would love to see Sammy win one and I’m sure she will stay up there and win one one day.”

Kerr beat out China‘s Zhang Linyang and 2019 winner Saki Kumagai, from Japan to win her crown.

“I just want to say what an amazing honour it is to win this award, especially up against some amazing finalists,” Kerr said.

“It has been an amazing year for me and my team and I just want to thank all my teammates, my coaches, my family and friends.”