Sam Kerr has completed a return to the National Women’s Soccer League, signing for Gotham FC on a contract that runs until 2030. The Australian striker rejoins the New Jersey side six years after departing American football for Chelsea.
Kerr, 32, previously represented Sky Blue—the franchise’s former identity—between 2015 and 2017. She later played for Chicago Red Stars before switching to England in late 2019. During her first spell in the league, she struck 77 regular-season goals, a tally that still stands as the competition record. She also claimed the league’s Most Valuable Player awards in 2017 and 2019.
Eleven trophies in six and a half years
The forward’s departure from Chelsea ends a glittering spell in England. She collected 11 major honours with the club, including five consecutive Women’s Super League titles, three straight FA Cups and three League Cups.
Kerr scored 116 times for Chelsea across all competitions, equalling Fran Kirby’s record as the club’s highest scorer. She also secured two WSL Golden Boot awards during her stay. Remarkably, she is the only footballer to have finished top scorer in three different professional leagues.
Her final season there followed a 20-month lay-off caused by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. She marked her return with 17 goals.
Reunion with champions
Gotham are the defending champions, having lifted the 2023 NWSL title. Their current squad features several familiar faces for Kerr. Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and England defender Jess Carter both swapped Chelsea for New Jersey in recent windows. Spain’s 2023 World Cup winner Esther González and United States midfielder Rose Lavelle are also on the books.
Kerr welcomed the move. “I’m incredibly excited to return,” she said. The striker praised the club’s ambition and stressed her desire to help the team “compete for trophies.”
Yael Averbuch West, Gotham’s president of soccer operations, called the signing “a landmark moment for our club.” She highlighted Kerr’s winning mentality and described her as one of the “most impactful players in the game.”
Matildas milestone
The transfer also sees Australia’s captain return to the league where she first established her reputation. Kerr has netted 75 times for the Matildas, making her the country’s all-time leading scorer across both men’s and women’s international football. She led the side to the semi-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand.