skin
Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.
 
Football

Kewell named Australia's greatest

Harry Kewell has been named Australia's greatest-ever footballer at a gala event in Sydney on Thursday night.

The former Leeds United and Liverpool attacker has appeared at two World Cups for the Socceroos (2006, 2010) and was given the honour following an extensive voting process involving fans, fellow players and pundits.

The Greatest Ever Australian Footballer awards also named the finest starting XI with current Socceroos in goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Tim Cahill (left midfield) and defender Lucas Neill (right back) chosen.

Retired defender Craig Moore (centre back) was also named with all five featuring in the past two World Cups together.

Fan favourite Mark Viduka (striker), Kewell's former Leeds team-mate, was named as the centre forward.

Kewell, who was named as the left striker, thanked the public for their vote of confidence despite being unable to attend the event.

"It's an incredible honour to be named the Greatest Ever Australian Footballer," Kewell said.

"I'm humbled by the award and very grateful, especially given that the public have had such a say in the final result and the number of great footballers this country has produced over the years.

"To be named amongst such great players in the Greatest Ever Australian Team, both past and current, is something I will never forget."

The late Johnny Warren (right midfield), Ray Baartz (right striker), Alan Davidson (left back), Ned Zelic (centre midfield) and Joe Marston (centre back) were also named.

In excess of 15,000 public votes were received, while a panel of current and former players, administrators and commentators helped to determine the winner.

Former Netherlands and Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was named the Socceroos' greatest coach having guided the side to the knockout stages of the 2006 World Cup in Germany for the first time.

Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury was selected as the greatest female player having made 151 appearances for Australia.

Would you like to comment?

 

You might also like

Kewell not giving up on Socceroos recall
05/24/2013 02:04:41 AM
 
Osieck backs Schwarzer to shine
05/24/2013 12:39:40 AM
 
Osieck still open to Kewell recall
05/23/2013 09:46:04 PM
 
Osieck unapologetic for shunning youth
05/23/2013 09:16:36 AM
 
Kennedy, Sasa back in Socceroos squad
05/23/2013 02:40:14 AM
 
Kewell hungry for Socceroos call-up
05/22/2013 02:56:32 AM
 
 
 
 

Trending stories

Goodes a star, on field and off
05/25/2013 03:14:59 PM
-
AFL
 
Smith backs Cronk to escape sanction
05/25/2013 09:54:55 PM
-
League
 
Hird wowed by 'abnormal' Watson
05/25/2013 09:17:40 PM
-
AFL
 
Tigers too easy to beat, admits Hardwick
05/25/2013 11:09:05 PM
-
AFL
 
Roosters wiser for Storm loss
05/26/2013 12:18:19 AM
-
League
 
McCartney's Dogs let off leash
05/25/2013 02:06:36 PM
-
AFL