Forget Messi v Ronaldo, the big controversy about Fifa’s world player of the year award is that Matildas star Sam Kerr has not made the final shortlist for the women’s award.
The striker, who has scored three times against Brazil in the past week alone, was overlooked in favour of USA star Carli Lloyd, Venezuelan teenager Deyna Castellanos and Lieke Martens, part of Holland’s successful Euro 2017 side.
Many voiced their dissent on social media where Fifa was mocked for not including a player who this year became the all-time leading goalscorer in America’s National Women’s Soccer League, where she plays for Sky Blue FC in New Jersey.
Joining in the derision were USA player Kelley O’Hara and Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams.
Going to need someone to walk me through how @samkerr1 is NOT on short list for FIFA player of the year... Dumbfounded right now 🤔
— Kelley O'Hara (@kohara19) September 22, 2017
Well.... @samkerr1 is my FIFA Women's Player of the Year 🙌🇦🇺
— Lydia Williams (@lydsaussie) September 22, 2017
FIFA right now... #SamKerr #Matildas #NWSL pic.twitter.com/GDteD2VeRq
— StephMiller (@StephMillerGK) September 23, 2017
Aside from her achievements in the US, Kerr led from the front as Australia won this year’s Tournament of Nations, scoring four times as Australia won all three of their games. The victories included a famous first victory over the world No 1-ranked US, to claim their first silverware since winning the Asian Cup in 2010.
Kerr also won the W-League’s Julie Dolan Medal as the competition’s best player for the 2016/17 season for her performances at Perth Glory.
The 24-year-old, who has become known for her celebratory backflips, was included on Fifa’s first shortlist of 10.
In the men’s award, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar will again battle it out for the Ballon d’Or.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is on the three-man list for the best men’s coach award after the Italian led the Blues to the Premier League title in his first season in charge.
The nominees were announced on Friday afternoon, with the winners to be confirmed in a ceremony at the London Palladium on 23 October.
