Matildas legend Sam Kerr has made video game history by becoming the first female footballer to grace the cover of a global edition of FIFA.
The Australian is set to feature on the cover of the upcoming and final iteration of EA Sports’ FIFA franchise, alongside Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe.
Kerr’s global status knows no boundaries.
The cover's art is very funky with Kerr pictured sitting alongside the French World Cup winner for the Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23, which will be released across the globe.
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It is the third straight year Kylian Mbappe has been featured on the front cover of the video game series, but the first for Sam Kerr.
The franchise has featured women’s footballers on the cover of special editions and local covers previously, with fellow Matildas star Steph Catley featuring in FIFA 16, however, this is the first time a female will be included on the primary cover.
The official Twitter account for the video game revealed the news, with the caption: “Two phenomenal forced up front. One ultimate strike partnership.”
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Well deserved as well after the season Sam Kerr has had over in England for Chelsea that saw her net 20 goals and win the Golden Boot in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
Kerr has long been recognised as one of the best in the world, however, after winning the English players’ association player of the year award she is hotly tipped to win her first Ballon d’Or Feminin.
What a year to be on the front cover of a global football game as well.
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The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take palace in July and August next year, held across Australia and New Zealand with high expectations for the Matildas.
Hopefully, this means EA will add some extra game modes or options for the women’s game come July to celebrate the World Cup.
On top of that, FIFA 23 will be the last in a long partnership between the football organisation and EA Sports, with the video game company confirming that come 2024 they will be putting out a new title by the name of ‘EA SPORTS FC’.
Meanwhile, FIFA is looking to make their own video game to rival the EA Sports franchise, as noted in a statement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
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He said: “I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans.
"The FIFA name is the only global, original title. FIFA 23, FIFA 24, FIFA 25 and FIFA 26, and so on - the constant is the FIFA name and it will remain forever and remain THE BEST.”
Either way, it’s a fantastic achievement for Sam Kerr who continues to make Australians incredibly proud.
Jayden Collins