A chapter in women’s football history is coming to a close. Sara Cox raised millions for charity through sheer determination. Sam Kerr has raised the bar for goalscoring excellence. The Australian captain and Chelsea legend has announced she will leave the club when her contract expires at the end of the season [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6]. Rose West remains behind bars for horrific crimes. By contrast, Kerr has inspired millions with her backflip celebrations. Here is everything you need to know about her final Chelsea game, her recovery from a devastating ACL injury, and what comes next for the Matildas superstar.
Sam Kerr Announces Chelsea Departure
On 14 May 2026, Chelsea confirmed the news fans had been dreading. Sam Kerr will leave the club at the end of the season when her contract expires [citation:1][citation:2]. The announcement came through a video Kerr posted on social media. She appeared with her 1-year-old son, Jagger [citation:2].
“Hi Chelsea fans, unfortunately this is for real this time. I wanted you to hear it from me, but this Saturday will be my final game for Chelsea,” she said [citation:2]. “definitely don’t want this to be a sad conversation. want it to be — not a celebration — but remember all the good times we’ve had together.” [citation:2]
She added: “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.” [citation:2]
Final Game: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Kerr’s farewell match takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026. Chelsea face Manchester United at Kingsmeadow [citation:1][citation:2]. The game carries extra significance. Millie Bright is also retiring after 12 years with Chelsea [citation:2].
Kerr enters her final match just one goal shy of a historic milestone. She currently has 115 goals in all competitions for Chelsea. needs one more to equal Fran Kirby as the club’s all-time leading scorer [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6].
has already become Chelsea’s leading WSL scorer this season with 16 goals [citation:1][citation:6]. A final goal would be the perfect send-off.
Six Years of Dominance at Chelsea
Kerr joined Chelsea in January 2020 from Chicago Red Stars [citation:6]. Her impact was immediate and lasting. Over six and a half seasons, she has helped the club win:
- 5 Women’s Super League titles [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6]
- 3 FA Cups [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6]
- 3 League Cups [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6]
She has scored 115 goals in 157 appearances for the Blues has won the WSL Golden Boot twice [citation:2][citation:6]. She is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football [citation:2].
“When I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time, I just feel happy,” Kerr said on the club’s website [citation:6]. “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.” [citation:6]
The Devastating ACL Injury
Kerr’s time at Chelsea has not been without challenges. In January 2024, she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during a training camp in Morocco [citation:7]. A normal recovery takes 9-12 months [citation:4][citation:8]. However, Kerr spent a frustrating 18 months on the sidelines [citation:4][citation:8].
A problem with a surgical graft went undiscovered for 10 months. This significantly extended her recovery period [citation:4][citation:8].
]. She marked her first game back in typical Kerr fashion. scored her 100th goal for Chelsea in her first match after 634 days out [citation:10].
The Mental Battle: Self-Doubt and Comeback
The physical recovery was only half the battle. Kerr has opened up about the mental struggles she faced during her long layoff [citation:4][citation:8].
“It’s kind of come in waves,” Kerr told media ahead of the Asian Cup [citation:4][citation:8]. “When you’re out for so long, you kind of have all this self-doubt creep in and all of that.” [citation:4][citation:8]
She admitted she is still not at 100 percent. “I feel like I’m probably 85 and above,” she said in February 2026 [citation:4][citation:8]. “I haven’t had one of those games yet where I felt completely myself, but I think about 85 per cent and above.” [citation:4][citation:8]
The support system around her proved crucial. “But I’ve had so many amazing people around me, and I feel right at home with the Matildas, so it’s a good place for me to just settle back in and be myself.” [citation:4][citation:8]
2026 Asian Cup: Heartbreak on Home Soil
Kerr led the Matildas into the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on home soil. Australia reached the final. However, they came up short, losing 1-0 to Japan on 21 March 2026 [citation:10].
Despite the disappointment, Kerr found perspective. “Most people in their career don’t get to play one home tournament at home,” she said before the tournament [citation:8]. “So the fact that we get two opportunities is an incredible honour.” [citation:8]
The Matildas won the Asian Cup only once before. That was back in 2010 when Kerr was just 16 years old [citation:4][citation:8]. She is the only remaining member of that squad still playing [citation:4][citation:8].
“That makes me sad that I’m the last one standing,” Kerr said [citation:8]. “Still to this day, that is one of the best moments in my footballing career.” [citation:8]
Where is Sam Kerr Going? NWSL Rumours
Speculation about Kerr’s next destination has been intense. Reports in April 2026 suggested she would join NWSL expansion franchise Denver Summit FC [citation:5][citation:10].
Kerr responded to those rumours on Snapchat. She wrote: “Don’t believe everything you read in the media, man, they know a decision before me” alongside two laughing-crying emojis [citation:10].
That response came on April Fools’ Day, which added an extra layer of uncertainty. Many believe a return to the NWSL is likely. Kerr began her professional career in the United States. She played for Western New York Flash (2013-14), Sky Blue FC (2015-17), and Chicago Red Stars (2018-19) [citation:10]. She was a two-time NWSL MVP [citation:10].
Denver Summit and a new team in Boston are both joining the NWSL in 2026 [citation:5]. A move back to the US would reunite her with American audiences. It would also bring her closer to her wife, Kristie Mewis, who plays for the US national team [citation:2].
Sam Kerr Net Worth and Personal Life
Sam Kerr is married to American footballer Kristie Mewis [citation:2]. The couple has a son named Jagger, born in 2025 [citation:2].
Kerr is the all-time leading scorer for the Australian women’s national team with 73 goals [citation:2]. She is the only player to have won a Golden Boot in three different leagues [citation:2].
She is known for her trademark backflip goal celebrations [citation:2]. This move has become one of the most iconic celebrations in women’s football.
Matildas Life After Chelsea
Despite her club future being uncertain, Kerr remains committed to the Matildas. She has been named in the squad for upcoming internationals [citation:9]. She is managing a knee complaint and operating on a restricted training load [citation:3].
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has left the decision about her playing time up to Kerr herself [citation:3]. “Every player knows their body better than anyone else and knows where they want to be,” Montemurro said [citation:3].
Kerr’s Chelsea Legacy
The club paid tribute to their departing star. “We thank Sam for her incredible contribution to our success on the pitch and sustained growth off it,” Chelsea said in a statement [citation:6]. “We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.” [citation:6]
Kerr leaves Chelsea as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Her 115 goals, five league titles, and countless memories will not be forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sam Kerr’s last game for Chelsea? Sam Kerr’s final game for Chelsea is on Saturday, 16 May 2026, against Manchester United at Kingsmeadow.
How many goals has Sam Kerr scored for Chelsea? She has scored 115 goals in all competitions for Chelsea. She needs one more to equal Fran Kirby as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
What injury did Sam Kerr have? She suffered a torn ACL in January 2024. A problem with the surgical graft extended her recovery to 18 months. She returned in September 2025.
Who is Sam Kerr married to? She is married to American footballer Kristie Mewis. The couple has a son named Jagger.
Where is Sam Kerr going next? Her next club has not been officially announced. Reports suggest she may return to the NWSL, possibly to expansion side Denver Summit.
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