When Sam Kerr joined Chelsea in January 2020, she carried the burden of the biggest transfer fee in Women’s Super League (WSL) history. Six and a half years later, the 32-year-old from Australia has not only met expectations but has far exceeded them. Kerr has announced that she will leave the club when her contract ends at the season’s conclusion, bringing to a close one of the most celebrated tenures in women’s soccer.
In 157 games for Chelsea, Kerr has scored 115 goals in all competitions, making her the club’s top scorer in WSL history with 64 league goals. She won two WSL Golden Boots in her first two full seasons, was named WSL Player of the Season in 2022, and twice won the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. In 2023, a season where she netted 29 goals in 38 appearances as Chelsea claimed the WSL and FA Cup double, she finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting. This chapter of her career stands out by any measure.
“Happy that it happened, and I feel so grateful to have played for this club for six years and won as many trophies as we could. When I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time (against Manchester United this Saturday), I just feel happy,'” said Kerr, reflecting on her departure.
However, Kerr’s greatness goes beyond numbers. It’s about the impact of her moments—the powerful headers in finals, the bold lobs, and the backflip celebrations that became her trademark. An impressive 22 of her goals were match-winners in WSL matches alone. She has also netted in five FA Cup finals and five League Cup finals, proving herself as a big-game player. Her collection of trophies at Chelsea includes five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, and the Community Shield.
Kerr’s journey also highlights her remarkable resilience. After a severe knee injury sidelined her for 20 months, many questioned if she would ever return to her best. Her comeback last September answered those doubts with 16 goals in 29 appearances this season, reminding everyone of her talent. Her path from the National Women’s Soccer League, where she remains the all-time leading scorer, to becoming the WSL’s greatest goal-scorer showcases her rare determination.
Chelsea will face Manchester United on May 16, and Kerr needs just one goal to equal club legend Fran Kirby as Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer across all competitions. It would be a perfect way to end her time with the club.
