Australia striker Sam Kerr has signed a four-year contract with NJ/NY Gotham FC after leaving Chelsea at the end of her deal.
The 32-year-old, Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer in the Women’s Super League era, confirmed her exit in May. She finished her Blues career with 116 goals in 158 matches, signing off by scoring the winner in her last home appearance against Manchester United.
Gotham FC, based across New Jersey and New York, is a return destination for Kerr, who previously played there from 2015 to 2017 when the club was known as Sky Blue FC.
“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” Kerr said. “This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special.” She added that the club’s ambition is clear and she’s eager to help chase trophies and build on its history.
Kerr joined Chelsea in January 2020 after a stint with the Chicago Red Stars and helped deliver a haul of silverware: five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, and the Community Shield. Her arrival, already as a global star, was widely viewed as the WSL’s biggest transfer at the time. She finished level with Fran Kirby as the club’s top scorer in all competitions during the WSL era and was a key figure under former manager Emma Hayes.
Despite being away from the United States for six years, Kerr returns as the National Women’s Soccer League’s all-time leading scorer. She won three consecutive NWSL Golden Boots, with her final tally of 18 standing as the single-season record until Temwa Chawinga’s 21 in 2024. She also held the Australian W-League scoring record upon joining Chelsea and still ranks third on that list.
In 2023, Kerr was runner-up for the Ballon d’Or after scoring 29 goals in 38 games as Chelsea completed a league-and-cup double.
Her dominance at Chelsea was interrupted by an ACL injury in January 2024. The recovery took more than 18 months, and she didn’t return to full fitness until the latter half of the current season, by which time Chelsea’s title push had waned.
During her rehabilitation, Kerr married former West Ham and USA midfielder Kristie Mewis, and the couple welcomed a son in May last year.