Australia’s Sam Kerr says she is honoured to be nominated again for another prestigious individual gong after making it on to the shortlist for the BBC’s women’s footballer of the year award.
The Matildas captain made the five-woman list alongside Spain’s Alexia Putellas, Ashley Lawrence of Canada, Norwegian Caroline Graham Hansen and Vivianne Miedema of the Netherlands.
Kerr, who has been nominated for the award in each of the past four years, is also in the running for a third time in her career to win this year’s Ballon d’Or after being named on a 20-strong shortlist earlier this month.
“It’s nice to be nominated against so many other great names, it’s a huge honour,” she said of the latest nomination.
The Chelsea striker has enjoyed yet another stellar year, winning the Women’s Super League, Continental League Cup and Community Shield with her club, while picking up the league’s golden boot after scoring 21 goals in 22 matches.
The 28-year-old also reached the final of the Women’s Champions League and narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal after captaining Australia to fourth place at the Games in Tokyo.
Kerr was put forward by a panel of experts including coaches, players, administrators and journalists, with the winner to be decided by a public vote. The results will be announced at the end of November.
“I think fans are football and I think we’ve realised over the last few years that without them football’s not as great,” Kerr told the BBC. “So for me these awards are really important, to recognise players for what they’ve done and the commitment they’ve given to the game but then also to let the fans have a say and make them feel a part of the game.”
Kerr scored her 49th international goal earlier this week to move to within one of all-time Australian record-holder Tim Cahill, as the Matildas wrapped up their two-match series against Brazil with a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Lucy Bronze, the England and Manchester City defender, won the BBC award last year.