Sam Kerr explains why she’ll never perform her famous backflip goal celebration again – as Socceroos legend brands her the world’s biggest sport star
Matildas captain Sam Kerr says scoring a hat-trick in front of her home fans was a dream come true, but admits the days of her trademark backflip could be over.
Both Kerr and Arsenal star Caitlin Foord scored hat-tricks in Australia’s 8-0 draw against the Philippines in Perth on Sunday.
The result all but guarantees Australia’s passage to the final round of Olympic qualifying in February, when the Matildas will face a team from the Asian Confederation in a two-legged play-off.
They complete the current leg on Wednesday evening with a match against Taiwan at HBF Park.
Kerr tore the Philippines to shreds on Sunday, scoring twice in the first half and notching her hat-trick just 24 seconds after halftime.
Sam Kerr says she won’t be doing her signature backflip anymore as she turns 30
The Matildas star’s famous celebration was nowhere to be seen as she scored a hat-trick against the Philippines in Perth on Sunday (pictured)
The 30-year-old also scored a goal in the 2-0 win over Iran last week.
The matches marked Kerr’s first Matildas appearances in Perth since 2018.
Matildas skipper Sam Kerr says her famous goal celebration is a thing of the past.
But her trademark backflip goal celebrations were noticeably absent every time she found the back of the net.
Kerr strained both her calves during this year’s Women’s World Cup, and it appears the star striker is doing everything he can to ensure there is no repeat.
‘A month ago I turned thirty. Those days are over,” Kerr replied when asked why she hasn’t abandoned the backflip.
Meanwhile, ex-footballer Paul Wade has declared Kerr the world’s biggest sports star.
“Sam Kerr is probably the best and most famous athlete in the world right now,” he told SportsFM.
Kerr strained both her calf muscles during the World Cup and wants to remain injury-free
Ex-football star Paul Wade (pictured playing for Australia in 1993) believes Kerr is currently the biggest sports star in the world
“Sixty thousand little girls and boys show up, it’s just amazing when they keep seeing it over and over again. It just keeps building on that love for football.
‘It is a wonderful position for women’s football.’
Kerr, who plies her trade with English giants Chelsea, has relished the chance to play in front of family and friends again.
Her goal against Iran and hat-trick against the Philippines sent the sold-out crowd into an uproar.
“It was a dream come true,” Kerr said of the treble in her hometown.
‘Even to score one goal, even to play here was a dream come true, so I’m very happy.
‘I would prefer (the team) to score eight goals every game, but it doesn’t always work that way. It was a great performance from the girls.
“The Philippines was the big game (in our group), so we were ready for that.”
Kerr joined teammates Lydia Williams and Charlotte Grant on Monday to announce CommBank is extending its partnership with Football Australia to launch the Growing Football Fund.
Kerr has relished the opportunity to play in front of family and friends in Australia again
The fund will focus on supporting coaches and community teams across the country with the aim of attracting and retaining 50,000 female participants nationally over the next two years.
Kerr welcomed the extra investment in grassroots football and reflected on her own journey to international stardom.
“It’s a long journey, it’s a tough journey. You just have to keep going,” Kerr said.
‘Everyone has ups and downs in their career. It’s just a journey. Lots of hard work, lots of sacrifice – you might miss a friend’s party or two on the weekend.
‘You’ve got to love it. You have to be there.
“I think overcoming those obstacles was really important to me as a young child.
‘I could have given it up many times, but I didn’t because I love it. We are all here now because of the sacrifices and hard work.”