Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has signed a two-year contract extension.
The 30-year-old Australia captain, whose contract was set to expire this summer, has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining from the Chicago Red Stars in 2019.
Kerr has won five consecutive Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and the Community Shield with Chelsea.
She has also claimed the Golden Boot twice and was runner-up to Spain’s Aitana Bonmati at the Ballon d’Or awards last year.
On Thursday morning, WSL champions Chelsea initially released a video in which Kerr hinted at her departure, followed 20 minutes later by another video announcing her contract extension.
“It’s really exciting and a very proud moment for me,” Kerr said after signing her new deal.
“Having the opportunity to stay at a club like Chelsea means a lot to me. I’m really excited to continue to push and to try to win trophies.”
Kerr has not played since January due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury and has been ruled out of the Australia squad for this summer’s Olympics in Paris.
She is Australia’s record scorer and one of the nation’s most prominent sporting idols.
In March, Kerr pleaded not guilty to charges of racially aggravated harassment of a London police officer.
She is scheduled to appear in court in February 2025.
‘European glory with Chelsea remains Kerr’s goal’
Sonia Bompastor’s arrival as manager marks a new era at Chelsea, and the former Lyon boss has significant work ahead, including finalizing recruitment for the summer transfer window.
Persuading Sam Kerr to extend her contract, especially after her anterior cruciate ligament injury sidelined her for most of the 2023-24 season, was the top priority.
Since Emma Hayes announced her departure from Chelsea, fans have been anxious about the future of the out-of-contract superstar Kerr.
Kerr was persuaded to move to the WSL by Hayes in 2019, in one of the biggest transfers in women’s football history. The pair formed a special bond, leading Chelsea to significant domestic success.
It was Kerr’s idea to create some excitement around her contract extension, knowing her immense popularity. Chelsea’s elaborate announcement videos on social media were designed to highlight Kerr’s playful personality and boost engagement.
To celebrate her new deal, Chelsea has gone a step further by temporarily renaming the stadiums to ‘Samford Bridge’ and ‘Kerrsmeadow,’ with a sign being installed on Thursday and displayed until Sunday.
Kerr’s profile as one of the greatest footballers is undisputed, though she still seeks the Women’s Champions League title to complete her list of honors. Continuing this pursuit with Chelsea is bad news for their rivals.