Matildas superstar Mary Fowler has opened up about Sam Kerr’s injury and legal problems, how her relationship with boyfriend Nathan Cleary is going – and her dream of starting a family of her own.

The Manchester City star was a teen prodigy when she scored on her debut for Australia at just 15, but now the 21-year-old is a household name after starring at the 2023 FIFA World Cup in the absence of injured skipper Kerr.

Speaking on Nine’s Today show on Wednesday, Fowler revealed that she’s still getting used to all the attention.

‘It’s always quite crazy to me when I see kids that are aspiring to be like me or doing their hair like me – like I think that’s really beautiful,’ she said.

As revealed by Daily Mail, Kerr is preparing to face a four-day criminal trial in February next year after she allegedly racially harassed a police officer following a night out in the London suburb of Twickenham on January 30, 2023.

‘I actually don’t know heaps about that, so I’m not in a position to speak about it,’ said Fowler when asked about the alleged racism saga.

‘And, I also think it’s a private matter for her.’

Kerr has been on the sidelines since rupturing her ACL in January, but Fowler believes she will still lead the side off the field.

‘It’s a tough one to take, especially after the World Cup result, you know everyone is so motivated and so keen to want to do better in the next tournament,’ she said. 

‘With Sam being injured it’s a big blow, but I think her presence will very much be there for us. She’s that kind of person, when she can’t be on the field she’s very much a leader off the field.’ 

Fowler’s relationship with NRL star Nathan Cleary has been capturing headlines since they were spotted together following the World Cup. 

The soccer star has spoken to the press previously about her dream of one day starting a family, and she mentioned it again when pressed about future plans.  

‘It sounds silly saying it at this age but my only dream right now is to have a family one day and have kids,’ Fowler said.

‘That’s what keeps me going and grounds me. I’m always thinking about what story I’ll tell them when I finish my career.’

When asked how things were between her and Cleary, the striker replied: ‘Everything is good.’

Fowler has recently teamed up with Uber to raise money for Australia’s most deserving community sports team.

Many country clubs are struggling financially and Fowler would love to hand one a $50,000 grant to keep them going. 

‘I want to help encourage people to get out there and keep playing community sport and give them the same opportunity (as me) to fall in love with their sport,’ Fowler said.