Sam Kerr, the renowned football sensation, embarked on her remarkable journey in the world of football at an unexpected juncture. Hailing from Western Australia, a region deeply enamored with Aussie Rules football, it was her familial connection to the sport that initially steered her path towards this unconventional choice. Growing up amidst her father and older brother, both professional Aussie Rules players, it seemed natural that young Sam Kerr would follow suit.
However, destiny had other plans for the budding athlete. At the age of 12, she took a leap of faith and transitioned to the world’s most beloved game, football. Despite an initial adjustment period, her talent swiftly caught the eye of the local W-League side, Perth Glory, which admitted her into their esteemed academy.
Remarkably, traces of her Aussie Rules roots remain evident in her playing style. In 2021, during a Champions League match, she made headlines by executing a shoulder charge on a pitch invader – a move more commonly seen on the MCG than a chilly London night.
Kerr’s early career can be characterized by her meteoric rise. At a tender age of 15, she made her professional debut for Perth Glory in the Australian W-League. Her exceptional performances paved the way for a move to the United States, where she joined the Western New York Flash in 2013. Over the next six years, she juggled between playing in Australia, for clubs like Sydney FC, and in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Sky Blue FC and the Chicago Red Stars.
Her impact was undeniable, as she clinched the golden boot in the NWSL for three consecutive years (2017, 2018, 2019) and replicated this success in the W-League during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. Moreover, she etched her name in history by breaking the all-time scoring record in the NWSL.
The momentous shift towards women’s football in Europe was bound to beckon a talent of Kerr’s caliber. In 2020, she made a pivotal move to Chelsea, one of the most illustrious clubs in women’s football. Her arrival heralded an era of dominance as she secured the golden boot in consecutive league seasons (2020-21 and 2021-22), helping Chelsea clinch the title each time. Additionally, her contribution in cup competitions was instrumental, with memorable performances in the League Cup and FA Cup Finals.
Nonetheless, the coveted Champions League title continues to elude her grasp, despite her valiant efforts in Chelsea’s 2021 semifinal encounter with Barcelona. On the international stage, Sam Kerr’s eminence shines just as brightly. As captain of the Australian national team, known as the Matildas, she is a beacon of leadership and talent. Her notable achievements include scoring in the 2010 Asian Cup Final and two goals at the 2019 World Cup.
In 2022, Kerr reached a pinnacle by surpassing Tim Cahill’s record as Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 63 goals in 120 games. Her versatility on the field, playing various positions, underscores her adaptability and enduring value to the national team.
Beyond her remarkable exploits on the pitch, Sam Kerr has made indelible marks off the field. Her advocacy for women’s sports earned her the title of Young Australian of the Year in 2018. In 2022, she received an Order of Australia Medal for her exceptional contributions to football. Her fame reached new heights when she graced the cover of FIFA 23, a testament to her global appeal. Furthermore, she had the honor of being her country’s flag bearer at the coronation of King Charles III and Camilla in May.
