Sydney FC's teenage sensation Willa Pearson has etched her name into the history books, breaking a monumental 17-year-old record held by football superstar Sam Kerr. The 15-year-old prodigy became the youngest ever goalscorer in the A-League Women's competition during her team's commanding 4-0 victory over Brisbane Roar at Spencer Park on February 13.
A Historic Moment in Women's Football
Pearson's landmark achievement came in the 60th minute of the match, when she found the back of the net to extend Sydney FC's lead. At just 15 years and 51 days old, she surpassed Kerr's previous record set in December 2008, when the current Chelsea striker scored her first goal for Perth Glory at 15 years and 88 days.
This historic moment adds another milestone to Pearson's already impressive young career. She had already made history as the youngest ever player in ALW history when she debuted as a 14-year-old against Melbourne City in November.
Dominant Performance Under Interim Leadership
The Sky Blues delivered a comprehensive performance that marked their first victory under interim coach James Slaveski. Sydney FC took control of the match from the outset, with Mackenzie Hawkesby opening the scoring in the 47th minute after Brisbane failed to clear a corner.
Following Pearson's record-breaking goal, Riley Tanner and Skye Halmarick added late strikes to complete the 4-0 rout, demonstrating Sydney FC's attacking prowess throughout the match.
Pearson's Reaction to Making History
"Oh my God — it's definitely not a feat I thought I'd have, but I'm very, very happy," Pearson said after the match. "As soon as I saw the opportunity, I thought, 'I've got to get up here, otherwise I'm going to cop it.' So I pushed forward, slid in, and it happened to come off. A bit of beginner's luck maybe."
The young star also praised her team's collective effort, stating: "As a team, I'm just so proud we put it all together. This is definitely the best we've played all season."
A Dual-Sport Talent with Inspirations
Pearson's athletic talents extend beyond the football pitch. She is also an accomplished cricketer who plays at representative level for Manly-Warringah on Sydney's northern beaches, where she serves as a wicketkeeper.
Her sporting hero is Australian cricket legend Ellyse Perry, who similarly excelled at both football and cricket as a youngster before focusing exclusively on cricket. Perry, now 35, made her debut for Australia in 2007 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time, remaining an important member of the national squad.
Pearson's record-breaking performance not only marks a significant personal achievement but also signals the emergence of a new generation of talent in Australian women's football. Her ability to excel in multiple sports while making history at such a young age suggests a promising future ahead for this remarkable young athlete.
