Sam Kerr: ‘People only see the big highs I’ve had – football is never smooth sailing’

In an exclusive interview with i’s Katherine Lucas, Sam Kerr, the renowned Chelsea and Australia striker, sheds light on the untold struggles that have defined her illustrious career. While often hailed as both a “spiritual leader” and the “best player in the world” by her teammates, Kerr doesn’t see herself as a poster girl for Chelsea or Australia’s national team.

The spotlight during this summer’s World Cup remained on Kerr, despite starting just one game, due to a calf injury that struck on the eve of the tournament. This glimpse into her career’s challenges revealed that behind the exterior of success lay a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs.

Kerr acknowledges the perception of her career, stating, “Every athlete knows football isn’t smooth sailing. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, lots of ups and downs, and sometimes people only see the big ups that I’ve had over the last few years. Even the resilience of playing week in, week out, game after game is really important.”

The World Cup was meant to be her crowning achievement, but fate had other plans. As Australia’s fans chanted “Ole Ole Ole” in anticipation of the opening match, Kerr’s injury threw her out of the tournament. She recalls the moment, saying, “Everything I’ve gone through in my career prepared me for that moment. It was probably one of the most disappointing days of my career.”

The Women’s Super League (WSL) players traveling to and from Australia got a glimpse into the unique challenges Kerr faces daily. She highlights the resilience required to perform under extreme conditions and the miles Australian players travel compared to others, putting their dedication into perspective.

Despite her love for her family and partner Kristie Mewis, who plays for the USA and Gotham, Kerr’s summers at home are rare. This year’s Women’s World Cup offered her a chance to return to Australia, where the Matildas left an indelible legacy both on and off the field, symbolizing a diverse and vibrant Australia.

However, with great expectation came massive disappointment as Australia’s journey ended in the semi-finals, a feeling familiar from their 2021 Olympic campaign. Kerr reflects, “As a footballer, you don’t really get the time to sit back and reflect. That’s probably something I’ll do once I’ve retired.”

Back at Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow, there’s no time to slow down. The team is aiming for a fifth consecutive WSL title and a fourth FA Cup win. Kerr, once again nominated for the Ballon d’Or, emphasizes the importance of availability in their Champions League quest.

Kerr shares, “Emma Hayes is our coach and she wants every trophy possible. Every game is just as important as the other, and we honestly prepare like that.” At Chelsea, high standards are the norm, and Kerr emphasizes that they always strive for more, a testament to the club’s winning mentality.

Sam Kerr’s journey is a testament to her resilience, embodying the highs and lows of a football career. While the Champions League remains a coveted prize for Chelsea, Kerr’s unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that her story in the world of football is far from over.