Sam Kerr, the National Women's Soccer League's all-time leading scorer, has officially returned to the league by signing with Gotham FC. The Australian captain and former Chelsea star has agreed to a deal that runs through 2030, marking her first NWSL appearance since leaving for Chelsea in November 2019.
Kerr's NWSL Legacy and Return
Kerr previously played for Sky Blue FC—now known as Gotham FC—from 2015 to 2017, and later for the Chicago Red Stars. Despite spending over six years abroad, she remains the NWSL's top regular-season scorer with 77 goals. She led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2019 and won the league's MVP awards in 2017 and 2019.
“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” Kerr said in a statement. “This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special. The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.”
International and Club Achievements
Kerr is the all-time leading scorer for Australia among men or women, with 75 international goals, surpassing the men's record of 51 held by Tim Cahill. She captained the Matildas to the semi-finals of the 2023 Women's World Cup, which Australia co-hosted with New Zealand.
At Chelsea, Kerr won 11 major trophies, including five consecutive Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups. She scored 65 goals in the WSL, winning the Golden Boot twice, and netted 116 goals in all competitions, tying Chelsea's all-time leading scorer Fran Kirby. She also scored the last goal in all three FA Cup finals she won with Chelsea.
Gotham's Ambition and Roster
Gotham FC won the NWSL title last year and in 2023. The team's roster includes German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, England defender Jess Carter—both former Chelsea teammates of Kerr—Spanish striker Esther González, and US World Cup and Olympic gold-winning midfielder Rose Lavelle.
“Sam is one of the defining players of her generation and a game-changing talent who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of world football,” said Yael Averbuch West, Gotham FC's president of soccer operations. “Her winning mentality, relentless competitiveness and ability to decide matches in an instant make her one of the most impactful players in the game. Bringing Sam back to Gotham is a landmark moment for our club, and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Recovery and Recent Form
Kerr returned from a 20-month absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury to score 17 goals last season for Chelsea. She is the only player to have won a Golden Boot in three different leagues, and is widely considered one of the best strikers in the world.
