Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso in massive Matildas Ballon d’Or update

Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso, prominent figures in the Matildas team, have earned well-deserved nominations for the prestigious women’s Ballon d’Or award, marking a fitting recognition for their outstanding performance during the recent Women’s World Cup. The Matildas’ remarkable journey to the semi-finals captured the hearts of the Australian audience and showcased their exceptional talent on the global stage.

During the tournament, both Kerr and Raso showcased their brilliance, although they narrowly missed out on the ultimate prize, falling short against England and subsequently losing to Sweden in the third-place play-off. Sam Kerr, who recently finished as the runner-up for the UEFA Women’s Best Player award, will once again vie for the Ballon d’Or, having secured the third spot in the last two editions. Her exceptional 2022/23 campaign with Chelsea in the Women’s Super League further cements her as a formidable contender. In an unexpected turn of events, Hayley Raso, the newly-signed Real Madrid player, also found her name on the 30-person nominee list, an accolade that comes after her stellar performances at the World Cup and her transfer from Manchester City to Real Madrid.

While Sam Kerr remains a strong contender for a top-three finish in this year’s Ballon d’Or, the favorite for the award is Aitani Bonmati, a pivotal figure in Spain’s historic World Cup victory, which saw six Spanish players securing nominations. Notably, two-time winner Alexia Putellas is absent from the list due to a serious knee injury that sidelined her for most of the year. This recognition for both Kerr and Raso signifies a significant moment for the Matildas, indicating their rising prominence on the world stage.

As both Kerr and Raso, at 29 years old, continue to shine, their individual accolades bode well for the Matildas’ future. Despite the disappointment of the third-place playoff loss against Sweden, Kerr expressed her determination to continue representing Australia, stating, “I hope to be here. I am only 29. I think most of us will still be here if we have the opportunity.” Looking ahead, they are committed to maintaining their form and fitness, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup. The core group’s unity and resolve remain strong, ensuring that they will fiercely compete for their spots in the team over the next four years.

In addition to her Ballon d’Or nomination, Sam Kerr recently finished as the runner-up in the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year awards in England, a testament to her remarkable contributions to the sport. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner, is the favorite for the men’s ‘Golden Ball.’ However, discussions persist about whether Manchester City’s treble winner, Erling Haaland, should be the rightful recipient. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his illustrious career, does not feature on the list due to his decision to play football in Saudi Arabia. The world of football continues to evolve, with these exceptional athletes at the forefront of the conversation.