Australian football legend Sam Kerr signs with Gotham FC after Chelsea exit

Sam Kerr Joins Gotham FC

Australian football star Sam Kerr has signed a contract with Gotham FC, the reigning champions of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, the club announced. Kerr, a free agent, signed the deal on Monday, which will keep her in New York through the 2030 season. The move marks her return to the US league after six and a half years with Chelsea in England’s Women’s Super League.

Kerr previously played in New York from 2015 to 2017 when the club was known as Sky Blue FC. She is the NWSL’s all-time leading regular-season goal scorer with 77 goals, a record that still stands. During her time at Chelsea, she scored 116 goals across all competitions and won five Women’s Super League titles, also finishing as runner-up for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

“This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special,” Kerr said in a statement. “The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.”

Gotham’s president of football operations, Yael Averbuch West, called Kerr a defining player of her generation and a game-changing talent. “Bringing Sam back to Gotham is a landmark moment for our club,” she added.

Kerr will make her debut for Gotham after the NWSL’s transfer window opens on July 14. The team hosts Washington Spirit on July 15 in the Queens Classic in New York.