Football star Tayla Harris’s famous airborne kick has been immortalised with a bronze statue unveiled in Melbourne.

A photograph of the kick became a viral sensation earlier this year after sparking a spirited defence of women in sport when Harris was targeted by online trolls posting offensive comments.

The 22-year-old AFLW player said she was humbled by the 3.3m tall statue, which was unveiled at Federation Square but does not yet have a permanent home.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, young or old – everyone has a right to do what they love,” Harris said.

“That’s what I want people to see when they look at this.”