Sam Kerr has signed with Gotham FC in the NWSL, returning to the USA after six and a half years in England with Chelsea, putting pen to paper on a contract through the 2030 season.
The striker last played in the NWSL back in 2019 with the Chicago Red Stars, and picked the golden boot in three consecutive seasons in 2017, 2018 and in her final season, 2019.
Despite leaving the league 6 years ago, Kerr is still the all-time leading goalscorer in the NWSL with 77 goals, as the striker will look to increase her lead at the top of the standings.
Kerr will link up with three former Chelsea teammates at Gotham FC and join their star-studded team, reuniting with Norway's Guro Reiten, England's Jess Carter and Germany's Ann-Katrin Berger.
The striker's move marks a return to a familiar club, having starred for Sky Blue FC before its rebrand to Gotham FC in 2021, where she broke several NWSL records, including becoming the first player to score four goals in a single match, helping her side to a 5-4 victory over Seattle in 2017.
“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” said Kerr.
“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.”
“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, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC.
“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.”
Gotham FC lifted the NWSL Challenge Cup over the weekend, beating the Kansas City Current 2-0 to claim the trophy. Gotham qualified for the final after being the Champions of the 2025 NWSL, while Kansas City Current claimed the 2025 NWSL Shield.
Kerr's new team will be back in action this weekend in the NWSL, taking on the current league leaders, San Diego Wave, on Sunday, 5th July at 10:45am AEST. You can catch select games of the NWSL on Stan Sport.