Why Matildas and Chelsea star Sam Kerr keeps getting overlooked at The Best FIFA Football award

Matildas and Chelsea superstar Sam Kerr has been named in the World XI but was again snubbed for the FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year award.

Kerr, 29, missed out on the personal award as players vote for the individual honor, though they did admit she deserved to be chosen as a forward on the team of the year.

Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas took home the coveted gong for the second year in a row, ahead of England’s Beth Mead and American veteran Alex Morgan.

Perth striker Kerr was one of 14 shortlisted players but did not make the final cut, a recurring theme in recent years.

She also has every reason to feel upset given in the court, Kerr enjoyed a stellar 2022.

Sam Kerr has scored goals for fun in the English Women’s Super League and FA Cup for Chelsea

But once again, captain Matildas, 29, has been passed over for the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award.

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas took home the coveted gong for the second time in a row (pictured in action for Barcelona)

Kerr nabbed the English Women’s Super League Golden Boot for the second successive season following her exploits with the Blues and was also named English PFA Player of the Year after claiming the WSL and FA Cup double.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson remains puzzled why his captain continues to be passed over for global personal honours.

“I’ve said it time and time again, she deserves to be the best player,” he told ABC’s Summer Grandstand.

‘She is world class, I am so privileged to have the opportunity to work with her.

‘In my opinion, it’s been a long time since she received that award. She should have had it by now.

Meanwhile, former Central Coast Mariners star Alou Kuol, 21, was shortlisted for the FIFA Puskás Award goal of the year.

But the VfB Stuttgart striker’s effort, a memorable ‘scorpion kick’ for the Australia under-23 team against Iraq, also failed to make the final cut.

Lionel Messi after being named FIFA Best Player ahead of Frenchman Kylian Mbappé

Unsurprisingly, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was crowned the world’s best men’s soccer player at the FIFA awards ceremony in Paris.

Winning the World Cup in Qatar ensured that the 35-year-old was always difficult to take down.

Messi, also a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, claimed his second FIFA ‘The Best’ title, and his first since 2019, after beating his PSG teammate and opponent in the World Cup final. , Kylian Mbappe of France.

While holding his award, Messi said: ‘Wow, that’s amazing. It’s been a tremendous year and it’s an honor for me to be here and win this award.

‘Without my teammates I would not be here. I achieved the dream (the World Cup) that I had been waiting for so long. Very few people can achieve that and I have been lucky enough to do it.’

Prolific Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema rounded out the three male nominations.