By David Gold
July 18 – Australian forward Harry Kewell has been named the country’s greatest ever footballer at an event in Sydney.
Senator Kate Lundy, Australia’s Minister for Sport, announced the former Liverpool and Leeds United winger (pictured above) as the recipient of the prestigious award after 15,000 votes were cast.
Kewell’s award is part of the Greatest Ever Australian Footballer project, celebrating the history of the country’s footballers and honouring the great players to have participated across the decades in the country.
Both the public and the judging panel for the award gave Kewell the award after an illustrious career in Europe.
Kewell was a skilful and tricky winger, one of the best in the English Premier League while playing for the Leeds United team which reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2001.
He has also played in two World Cups for his country – in 2006 and 2010.
“It’s an incredible honour to be named the Greatest Ever Australian Footballer,” said Kewell.
“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 greatest Australian team of all time was also named, with Kewell selected alongside Mark Viduka, with whom he played at Leeds.
Also selected up front was Ray Baartz.
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (pictured above), Lucas Neill, Joe Marston, Craig Moore, Alan Davidson, Johnny Warren, Ned Zelic and Tim Cahill were the others who made the 11.
Winning the women’s award for the greatest Australian player was Cheryl Salisbury, who played 151 times for the national team, scoring 38 goals.
A Dutchman, Guus Hiddink, was also honoured as the greatest coach in Australian history for his feat in taking the country to the World Cup in 2006.
That was their first appearance in the competition since 1974, and was their best ever performance as they reached the last 16 of the tournament.
Funds from the ceremony announcing the awards will go to the Johnny Warren Football Foundation.
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