Sam Kerr returns to Gotham FC after leaving Chelsea

Australian striker Sam Kerr is back at Gotham FC, where she signed a four-year contract following her departure from Chelsea. At the age of 32, Kerr became Chelsea's all-time top scorer in the Women's Super League (WSL), racking up an impressive 116 goals in 158 appearances. Her departure from Chelsea was announced in May when her contract expired, and she played her last game for the team at home to Manchester United, scoring the winning goal. Gotham FC, which is based in New Jersey and New York, was Kerr's first club in the United States, where he played from 2015 to 2017 when it was still called Sky Blue FC. In her statement, Kerr expressed her excitement about returning: "I'm incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and this city. This club has been an important part of my journey, and to return at this time, with everything Gotham has built, is truly special." She also commented on her ambitions: "The ambition here is clear, and I look forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history."  Kerr joined Chelsea in January 2020 after a spell at Chicago Red Stars, and has contributed significantly to the club's achievements, including five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield. Upon arriving at Chelsea, his transfer was considered one of the most impactful in WSL history. She excelled alongside Fran Kirby, finishing as the club's co-top scorer during their WSL era, being a crucial figure under former coach Emma Hayes. Before leaving the United States, Kerr was the National Women's Soccer League's all-time top scorer, having won the Golden Boot three years in a row. Her latest total of 18 goals in a season was surpassed only by Temwa Chawinga, who scored 21 goals in 2024. Additionally, Kerr holds the Australian W-League record upon arrival at Chelsea, where she still sits third on the goalscorers list. In 2023, she came second in the Ballon d'Or voting after scoring 29 goals in 38 games, helping Chelsea win the WSL and FA Cup double. Kerr's status at Chelsea was indisputable, but her path was cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2024. It took more than 18 months for her to fully recover, returning to form in the second half of the current season, following the Chelsea's title campaign has petered out. During her recovery, Kerr married former US national team player Kristie Mewis and gave birth to their son in May last year.

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