Even while she is recuperating from major surgery, Matildas forward Sam Kerr keeps picking up awards for her stellar performances.
Kerr, who last week went under the knife to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, was on Monday named in the FIFA FIFPRO Women's World XI, voted for by players across the globe.
The 30-year-old was the leading scorer for Chelsea and the Matildas in 2023, netting 37 times for club and country and helping Australia to the World Cup semi-finals.
She also fired Chelsea to a third consecutive FA Cup and a fourth-straight Women's Super League title.
“It is a huge honour to be voted into the World XI by the players," Kerr said after The Best FIFA Awards 2023 in London.
"To have the respect and acknowledgement of your peers is something that is hugely special to any player.
“Many thanks to my Matildas and Chelsea teammates for making this possible and to all the players who voted for me.”
Shortlisted Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou missed out on being named the world's best coach at the glittering awards ceremony, at which Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati were crowned the top players.
Postecoglou, recognised for his achievements in his previous role at Scottish giants Celtic, lost out to overwhelming favourite Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola guided Manchester City to a treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup triumphs last season.
Postecoglou was on a shortlist that also included Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, Luciano Spalletti - who took Napoli to the Serie A title - and Barcelona's Xavi.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson narrowly missed out on the top award for women's coach, with England boss Sarina Wiegman picking up the gong for the second successive year.
The Dutchwoman took England to the World Cup final in Sydney, where they were beaten by Spain.
Kerr's Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes was also on the shortlist, along with Sweden's Peter Gerhardsson, and Jonatan Giraldez of Barcelona.
Seven of Wiegman's England squad made it into the Women's World XI alongside Kerr, whose Matildas teammate Mackenzie Arnold was shortlisted in the goalkeeper category alongside eventual winner Mary Earps of England and Manchester United.
The best women's player award went to Spain's World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati, making it a clean sweep for the 25-year-old playmaker.
Bonmati has also picked up the Ballon d'Or and UEFA's best player award, as well as leading Spain to the World Cup and club side Barcelona to the Champions League title.
Argentina's Lionel Messi, now with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, won the best men's player award once again: for the eight time in 15 years.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and French forward Kylian Mbappe were also shortlisted.
- with PA
