At a ceremony held at Parliament House, Matildas star Sam Kerr has been named the 2018 Young Australian of the Year by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Kerr was honoured alongside Australian of the Year, Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons (quantum physicist), Australia's Local Hero Eddie Woo (maths teacher and Senior Australian of the Year Graham Farquhar (biophysicist).

“It is a massive honour. Australia Day means a great deal to me and my family and being Australian is something we are all very proud of,” said Kerr in her acceptance speech.

"I truly view this award not just for me but rather as an endorsement of the achievements of the Australian women’s football national team and more broadly, Australian women’s football and women’s sport in general.”

It has been a phenomenal 12 months for the West Australian with the 24 year old winning accolades across the globe for a stellar 2017.

Off the pitch, Kerr's star has also risen as an ambassador women's football and women's sport.

"As a female athlete, this makes me extremely proud to be Australian."

“For me, personally, nothing gives me a greater sense than pulling on the No. 20 jersey for the Matildas."

Kerr joins a host of sportspeople to win the Young Australian of the Year award including Australian sporting legends Cathy Freeman, Kieren Perkins and Ian Thorpe.

“Sam wins matches and entertains at the same time…she is a great entertainer," said FFA CEO David Gallop.  "And she will then sign autographs and take selfies with every single person who wants one."

“She and the other Matildas are playing a leading role in the promotion of women’s sport.  The team is now ranked 4th in the world and is a real chance to win the AFC Women’s Asia Cup in Asia.  This award will only help to inspire more girls and boys to follow their dreams.”