Sam Kerr has made history by becoming not only the first female but also the first queer footballer to appear on a FIFA video game global cover. The Chelsea star is joined by Paris Saint-Germain and France’s Kylian Mbappe in the FIFA23 Ultimate Edition artwork, with the players being described by developers as “Two phenomenal forces up front. One ultimate strike partnership.”
The official cover reveal was made on July 18 through a tweet from EA Sports FIFA. Responding to the news, Kerr took to Instagram to say: “From playing as a kid, to being in the game and now on the global cover! It’s a dream come true..”
It is estimated that the game has already sold more than 350 million copies since its launch, with customers expecting its release sometime in September, although the date is not confirmed. It is the 30th edition of the video game, and is the last to feature EA Sports branding as their partnership with FIFA is coming to an end. Women were first featured in the video game in FIFA16, but this is the first time a female will appear on the global cover.
Presenting your #FIFA23 Cover Stars:@samkerr1 and @KMbappe ⭐️⭐️
Two phenomenal forces up front.
One ultimate strike partnership.See the full reveal on July 20 ➡ https://t.co/yjXnlCteDR pic.twitter.com/oOWyqoqBzB
— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) July 18, 2022
And no one is more suited to receive the accolade than Sam Kerr. For her country, the Australian has scored 56 goals in 108 appearances and earned the captain’s armband. She is the nation’s all-time top goalscorer, man or woman, holding the same title at club level in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US. She is the only female footballer to have collected the Golden Boot in three different leagues across three different continents, including last season winning the trophy in the FA Women’s Super League with Chelsea.
An openly queer athlete, Kerr is currently in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie Mewis who plays for Gotham FC and the US Women’s National Team.
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