Sam Kerr voted the best female footballer in the world

Westfield Matildas captain Sam Kerr has been voted the best female footballer in the world after topping the Guardian's top 100 list for 2019. 

Kerr finished second in 2018, but a brilliant year for club and country has seen her rise to the top, finishing ahead of Lucy Bronze (England) and Megan Rapinoe (USA). 

The Matildas star scored a stunning 40 goals in 41 games in 2019, finishing as the Golden Boot winner for both the Westfield W-League and the National Women's Soccer League, including five goals at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France. 

Her form earned her a move to English club Chelsea, signing for the Women's Super League club in November on a two-and-a-half year deal. 

Kerr told the Guardian: "It’s quite amazing to be recognised in this way, amongst so many great female footballers and it’s a great honour. I’m really thrilled."

Head Coach Ante Milicic said: "For me it is no surprise that Sam has received this accolade from the football community.

"On and off the pitch, Sam is a leader who not only produces spectacular moments for club and country, but is committed to doing the type of work that often goes unnoticed.

"Her consistency throughout 2019 has been impressive, her goals to games ratio exceptional, her influence on matches significant.

"Sam’s drive to continuously evolve and improve her game, as evidenced by her recent move to Chelsea, is commendable, and I look forward to watching her progress. It is an honour to be her coach with Australia."

Kerr's Matildas teammate, Ellie Carpenter, polled in 88th on the list - the first time the full-back has been voted in the top 100. 

Kerr scoring v Jamaica
Sam Kerr scored an incredible four goals against Jamaica at the FIFA Women's World Cup