Matilda’s star Kyra Cooney-Cross is in the running for one of FIFA’s most prestigious awards.
The 23-year-old Arsenal midfielder has been nominated as one of 11 finalists for the ‘Marta’ Award for goal of the year following her outrageous long-range strike against Germany in Duisburg late last year—her first ever goal for Australia.
As you can see from the goal links below, this year’s field is red hot.
While Australian players have been nominated on several occasions in the past—including Sam Kerr, Riley McGree, Tim Cahill and Lisa De Vanna—should Cooney-Cross’ goal be chosen it would be the first time an Australian has ever won FIFA goal of the year.
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The award is named after legendary Brazilian international Marta Vieira da Silva, widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of women’s football.
Ironically, 39-year-old Marta has herself also been nominated in 2025.
The winner will be determined by an equal split between fan votes and a panel of FIFA Legends.
Public voting closes on December 3, just two days before the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place in Washington DC.
Who are the 2025 Marta Award finalists for FIFA goal of the year?
Jordyn Bugg | North Carolina Courage v. Seattle Reign | 22 March 2025
Mariona Caldentey | Olympique Lyonnais v. Arsenal | 27 April 2025
Ashley Cheatley | Brentford v. Ascot United |3 November 2024
Kyra Cooney-Cross | Germany v. Australia | 28 October 2024
Jon Ryong-jong | Korea DPR v. Argentina | 2 September 2024
Marta | Orlando Pride v. Kansas City Current | 17 November 2024
Vivianne Miedema | Wales v. Netherlands |5 July 2025
Kishi Núñez | Argentina v. Costa Rica |8 September 2024
Lizbeth Ovalle | Tigres v. Guadalajara | 3 March 2025
Ally Sentnor | USA v. Colombia | 20 February 2025
Khadija Shaw | Hammarby v. Manchester City | 21 November 2024
Pretends to be shocked. 🤯🚀
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) November 13, 2025
Kyra Cooney-Cross' goal against Germany has been nominated for the FIFA Marta Award 2025 for the best goal of the year! 🏆🌎
🗳️ Go to https://t.co/znolJzithX to cast your vote.#Matildas pic.twitter.com/6URZe2r0Dm