Australians love their football; the two national teams have taken the whole country on a wild ride over the years. But it seems that the Matildas currently have the upper hand over the Socceroos in terms of popularity.
The Matildas were crowned as Australia’s most loved sporting team in 2019, and during the Tokyo Olympics, they broke TV viewing records. In 2022, they are still sitting above the Socceroos on the emotional connection ladder, but why exactly is this?
1. Standout stars
The Matildas are a team full of household names, the standout stars who Australian fans can rely on to make any game an exciting one to watch.
Sam Kerr is the one that most will know, even for those who aren’t football fans. Kerr is a true Aussie icon who is a huge factor as to why the Matildas are more popular than the Socceroos. The beloved skipper is Australia’s leading top goal scorer of all time, yes, not just for the women’s league. There’s no wonder why people can’t help but watch whenever she’s in the green and gold.
Then there are the famous youngsters, Ellie Carpenter, and Mary Fowler, who both became instant must-watch fan favourites. Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Lydia Williams – the list could go on. The Matildas have a solid selection of names that have most certainly travelled out beyond the football world.
Unfortunately, the Socceroos seem to be slightly lacking in this department. Of course, there’s the infamous grey wiggle, Andrew Redmayne and his fellow highly experienced goalkeeper, Matt Ryan. But, despite being home to a handful of loyal veterans and definite rising stars, the Australian men’s international team don’t really have a Tim Cahill or a Harry Kewell these days.
2. Success across the globe
The Matildas’ popularity could also be driven by their individual global successes. Many players in the squad are signed with prolific and successful women’s sides in Europe and North America.
Kerr has made a name for herself in her time as a forward for Chelsea, but she’s not the only one. Both Hayley Raso and Alanna Kennedy are standouts in the Manchester City line-up, and Caitlin Foord is known to find the back of the net for Arsenal.
Also, Ellie Carpenter is signed with the reigning UWCL champions, Olympique Lyonnais, which is another huge deal.
And that’s only a fraction of the Tillies who are proving themselves to be word-class players.
The Socceroos have their sprinkling of representatives across the globe, but currently the only Australian who is a part of a Premier League club’s senior team is Tyrese Francois and he’s out on loan in Croatia this season.
3. World Cup ratings
It’s hard to support a team who doesn’t have much chance of bringing home a win. With both World Cups looming close on the horizon, it’s valid to look at which Aussie team has a higher chance of becoming World Cup champions. Now, yes, it could be seen as a bit of a stretch to assume that either team could make it that far, but it’s nice to hold onto that hope.
Hope is key in the eyes of the fans, which is what makes the Matildas so prevalent.
The Socceroos are currently ranked 38th in the world, whereas the Matildas sit in 13th place – and you never know what can happen when you’re in the top 20! Australian fans are more likely to back the Matildas than they are Socceroos when it comes to the World Cup, simply due to that factor of hope.
4. Inspirational to the youngsters
Women’s sport is growing exponentially in Australia, especially football. We’re in a new generation of women’s football where the Women’s World Cup is highly anticipated, fans are selling out stadiums and breaking records.
The Matildas’ fanbase is largely made up of young girls and women who see them as role models.
A huge reason why the Matildas are more popular than the Socceroos is because they are the leaders in this huge movement, inspiring the young Australian women out there who want to do the same.
Feature image credit: Matildas
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