Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is set to return to the National Women’s Soccer League, but not with the Denver Summit as previously reported. The 32-year-old will instead rejoin Gotham FC, where she began her American career, according to ESPN.
Kerr's NWSL Return Confirmed
After a glittering six-year stint at Chelsea that ended last month, Kerr was widely expected to return to the top US league. Reports linking her to the Denver Summit were quickly dismissed by the striker. “Don’t believe everything you read in the media man, they know a decision before me,” she wrote on social media.
Kerr first played for Gotham FC—then known as Sky Blue—from 2015 to 2017 in her initial overseas venture. During that spell, she won the NWSL Golden Boot and MVP awards in 2017, scoring 17 goals in 22 games. She then moved to Chicago, where she claimed the Golden Boot in the next two seasons, cementing her status among the world’s elite. Despite only playing five seasons in the league, Kerr still holds the all-time NWSL record with 77 goals.
Farewell to Chelsea
The Matildas captain finished her Chelsea career last month, scoring in her final appearance. Her 116th goal made her the joint-top scorer in the club’s history alongside Fran Kirby. During her time in England, Kerr netted 116 goals in 158 matches and helped Chelsea secure five league titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups.
Reflecting on her departure, Kerr said: “All good things must come to an end — and I feel like it’s the right time. Of course, it’s sad. It’s been my home. I love playing here. It’s one of the best leagues in the world. I play with the best players every day. So there are a lot of hard things about leaving, but all good things must come to an end, and I feel like it’s the right time.”
True to her nature, Kerr remained upbeat. “Everyone who knows me knows I’m not much of a crier. I always like to see the positives in things. I honestly just feel really happy. I feel really honoured and lucky to have been a part of this and to have had six-and-a-half years here. So yeah, it’s just happiness.”
New Chapter in the USA
Kerr and her American wife, Kristie Mewis, will now relocate to the United States with their one-year-old son, Jagger. The move marks a new chapter for the Australian star as she returns to the league where she first made her mark overseas.
