Sam Kerr, Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer in English football’s Women’s Super League, has announced she will leave the club when her contract expires at the end of the season.
Kerr has scored 115 goals in 177 appearances for the Blues and her final game for the west London side will be at home to Manchester United on Saturday.
The 32-year-old striker has helped Chelsea win five Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield in a stellar run in England.
Announcing the news, Kerr shared a heartfelt video with her son and said: “Hi Chelsea fans, unfortunately this is for real this time.
“I wanted you to hear it from me. This Saturday will be my final game for Chelsea. I definitely don’t want this to be a sad conversation.
Watch Sam Kerr’s announcement in the video above
“I want to remember all the good times we’ve had together. It’s been an absolute honour to represent you guys the last six and a half years and I’ve had the best memories.
“Hopefully we can make one more amazing memory on Saturday. But I just wanted you to hear it first from me, that unfortunately, I will be leaving the club.”
Kerr was inundated with messages of support on social media from her teammates and fans.
Mewis wrote: “So so so so proud of you,ï¸ you are so loved.”
Millie Bright commented: “One of the greatest to pull on a Chelsea shirt. One of my best friends for life.
Erin Cuthbert said: “Not only an incredible player but an absolute gem of a human that I’m lucky enough to call my best mate. What a ride we’ve had for 6 years
“When I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time, I just feel happy,” said Kerr in a club statement.
“Happy that it happened, and I feel so grateful to have played for this club for six years and won as many trophies as we could.”
Rumours began swirling about Kerr’s future during Australia’s run to the Asian Cup final with reports Chelsea was reluctant to offer her a long-term deal.
Kerr’s wife is retired USA player Kristie Mewis and there had been speculation Kerr could join a club in America’s NWSL on a lucrative deal.
Mewis grew up in Massachusetts, so Boston Legacy FC would appear a likely destination if Kerr was to make the move to America.
Kerr’s time in England has also been marked by difficulties in both her football career and personal life.
She spent 20 months on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury in January 2024.
That same month saw Kerr charged with racially aggravated harassment against a police officer following an incident in London arising from a disputed taxi fare.
Kerr, however, was found not guilty 13 months later following a trial that made headlines in Britain and Australia.
This season Kerr has scored 16 goals to become Chelsea’s leading scorer in the WSL. She needs one more goal to equal Fran Kirby’s all-time club record.
“We thank Sam for her incredible contribution to our success on the pitch and sustained growth off it,” said a Chelsea statement.
“We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.”
Chelsea’s era of dominance has come to and end with Mary Fowler’s Manchester City claiming their first WSL title and the club is losing Kerr and England veteran Millie Bright.
Fellow Matildas star Katrina Gorry also announced she was leaving West Ham.
– With AFP
