Samantha May Kerr is a highly acclaimed Australian professional soccer player. She is recognized as one of the world's top strikers, known for her speed, skill, and determination. Kerr captains the Australia women's national team and plays for Chelsea in the FA Women's Super League. Her exceptional talent has cemented her status as one of Australia's most celebrated athletes.
1966: Sam Kerr's great uncle wins the Melbourne Cup
In 1966, Sam Kerr's great uncle, J.J. Miller, won the Melbourne Cup.
September 1993: Birth of Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr was born in September 1993.
2008: Kerr Joins Perth Glory
Sam Kerr's initial period as a Perth Glory player started in 2008.
2008: Kerr's W-League Debut
Sam Kerr's journey in the W-League began in 2008.
2008: Sam Kerr begins her career with Perth Glory
Sam Kerr's professional soccer career began in 2008 with Perth Glory.
2009: Sam Kerr's senior international debut
At the age of 15, Sam Kerr made her senior international debut in 2009.
2009: Kerr's Debut for the Australian National Team
Sam Kerr began playing for the Australian national team in 2009.
2009: Sam Kerr debuts for Perth Glory and is named Players' Player, also wins Goal of the Year
Sam Kerr debuted for Perth Glory in 2009 at 15 years old. That year, she also won Players' Player at the W-League awards and Goal of the Year for her goal against Sydney FC.
May 2010: 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup
In May 2010, Kerr was named to the Matildas squad for the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup, where she scored key goals and helped Australia win the title via a penalty shoot-out.
2010: Sam Kerr starts in all 10 games for Perth Glory
Sam Kerr started in every game for Perth Glory in 2010.
2010: Sam Kerr represents Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament
Sam Kerr played for Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament in 2010.
January 2011: Sam Kerr scores a brace against Adelaide United
Sam Kerr scored twice in the first half of a game against Adelaide United in January 2011, leading Perth to victory.
July 2011: Australian FourFourTwo Cover Feature
Sam Kerr, alongside teammates Melissa Barbieri, Kyah Simon, Thea Slatyer, and Sarah Walsh, graced the cover of Australian FourFourTwo magazine in July 2011, highlighting the growing recognition of women's football in Australia.
2011: Kerr's First Departure from Perth Glory
In 2011, Sam Kerr completed her first stint with Perth Glory.
2012: Sam Kerr leaves Perth Glory to join Sydney FC
Sam Kerr left Perth Glory to join Sydney FC in 2012.
2013: Sam Kerr signs with Western New York Flash and the team makes it to the final
After Sam Kerr joined the Western New York Flash in 2013, the team made it to the final but lost to Portland.
2013: ESPN's Aussies Abroad Feature and Inclusion in FIFA Video Games
In 2013, Sam Kerr's rising profile was further acknowledged through a dedicated episode titled "The Matildas" on ESPN's "Aussies Abroad," which highlighted her journey and experiences as an Australian international player alongside teammates Lisa De Vanna, Kyah Simon, and Caitlin Foord. That same year marked another milestone as she, along with her national teammates, were included in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, starting with FIFA 16, which for the first time, featured women players.
2013: Sam Kerr joins Western New York Flash
Sam Kerr joined the Western New York Flash in 2013.
2013: Kerr Joins the National Women's Soccer League
Sam Kerr's career in the National Women's Soccer League commenced in 2013.
August 2014: Sam Kerr returns to Perth Glory
Sam Kerr returned to her former team, Perth Glory, in August 2014.
December 2014: Knee Injury and Surgery
In December 2014, Sam Kerr suffered a knee injury that required surgery, demanding intense rehabilitation with fitness coach Aaron Holt in preparation for the upcoming 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
2014: Sam Kerr represents Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament
Sam Kerr played for Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament in 2014.
2014: Kerr Returns to Perth Glory
Sam Kerr rejoined Perth Glory in 2014.
2014: Sam Kerr is the leading scorer for Western New York Flash and is named NWSL Player of the Week
Sam Kerr became the leading scorer and was named NWSL Player of the Week while playing with the Western New York Flash in 2014.
2015: Kerr Joins Sky Blue FC
Sam Kerr became a member of Sky Blue FC in 2015.
2015: Sam Kerr joins Sky Blue FC
Sam Kerr joined Sky Blue FC in 2015.
2015: 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
Sam Kerr played a key role for the Australian Women's National Team at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. Despite losing their opening game against the United States, they went on to win against Nigeria, with Kerr playing through an elbow to the face. They drew with Sweden and advanced to the round of 16, ultimately reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, before being knocked out by Japan.
2015: Sam Kerr is traded to Sky Blue FC
Sam Kerr was traded from the Western New York Flash to Sky Blue FC in 2015.
2016: Sam Kerr suffers a season-ending ankle injury but still receives a contract extension
Despite suffering a season-ending ankle injury, Sam Kerr was given a contract extension with Perth Glory in 2016.
2016: Sam Kerr represents Australia at the Summer Olympics
Sam Kerr played for Australia at the Summer Olympics in 2016.
2016: Sam Kerr is named NWSL Player of the Week
Sam Kerr was named NWSL Player of the Week in 2016.
July 2017: Tournament of Nations Top Scorer and AFC Women's Footballer of the Year
Sam Kerr emerged as the top scorer in the inaugural Tournament of Nations held in the United States in July 2017. Her impressive performance included a hat-trick against Japan during Australia's 4-2 victory, and a goal against Brazil, contributing significantly to Australia's tournament win. This marked a turning point in her international career, as she had previously scored eight goals in 49 games. Her hat-trick sparked a scoring streak of 11 goals in six games, culminating in her being named the 2017 AFC Women's Footballer of the Year.
2017: Kerr Leaves Sky Blue FC
Sam Kerr's time with Sky Blue FC concluded in 2017.
2017: Sam Kerr wins the Golden Boot in the W-League and NWSL
Sam Kerr won the Golden Boot in both the W-League and NWSL in 2017.
2017: Sam Kerr sets a new NWSL record and wins the Golden Boot and MVP
In 2017, Sam Kerr set a new NWSL record by scoring 4 goals in a single game. She went on to win both the Golden Boot and MVP awards that year.
January 2018: Sam Kerr is traded to the Chicago Red Stars
In January 2018, Sam Kerr was traded to the Chicago Red Stars.
March 2018: Vogue Australia Feature and FIFA 19 Cover
Sam Kerr was recognized for her impact beyond the football field when she was featured in Vogue Australia in March 2018 as a "Game Changer." This recognition solidified her influence as a prominent figure in Australian sports. Additionally, she was featured on the cover of the Australian version of the popular video game, FIFA 19.
October 2018: Sam Kerr becomes the first marquee player of the W-League
Sam Kerr was named the first marquee player in the W-League in October 2018.
2018: End of Kerr's First Stint in the W-League
In 2018, Sam Kerr concluded her initial period of playing in the W-League.
2018: Sam Kerr represents Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament
Sam Kerr played for Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament in 2018.
2018: Sam Kerr wins the Golden Boot in the W-League and NWSL
Sam Kerr won the Golden Boot in both the W-League and NWSL in 2018.
2018: Kerr Starts Playing for the Chicago Red Stars
Sam Kerr's tenure with the Chicago Red Stars commenced in 2018.
February 2019: Captain of the Matildas and BBC Women's Footballer of the Year Nomination
In February 2019, Sam Kerr was appointed captain of the Matildas (Australian Women's National Team) by the newly appointed head coach, Ante Milicic. This honor recognized her talent and leadership qualities. Adding to her accolades, two months later, she was shortlisted as one of the five nominees for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award.
November 2019: Joining Chelsea
On 13 November 2019, Chelsea announced that Sam Kerr would be joining the club for the second half of the 2019–20 FA WSL season on a two-and-a-half year contract.
2019: Kerr's Second Departure from Perth Glory
Sam Kerr's second period with Perth Glory ended in 2019.
2019: Kerr as West Coast Eagles' Number-One Ticket Holder
Sam Kerr, a supporter of the West Coast Eagles, became the club's number-one ticket holder in 2019.
2019: Kerr's Departure from the National Women's Soccer League
Sam Kerr's time playing in the National Women's Soccer League came to an end in 2019.
2019: Kerr's Departure from the Chicago Red Stars
Sam Kerr's time playing for the Chicago Red Stars finished in 2019.
2019: NWSL Championship Appearance and Multiple Awards
At the end of the 2019 season, Kerr and the Chicago Red Stars made their first appearance in the NWSL Championship, losing 4–0 to North Carolina Courage. Despite the loss, Kerr was named the 2019 NWSL MVP, becoming the first and only player to receive the award twice. She also won the NWSL Golden Boot for the third year in a row, leading the league with 18 goals and five assists, and was named Player of the Year by the National Women's Soccer League Players Association.
2019: Sam Kerr wins the Golden Boot in the W-League and NWSL
Sam Kerr won the Golden Boot in both the W-League and NWSL in 2019.
2019: Sam Kerr named captain of the Australia women's national team
In 2019, Sam Kerr was named captain of the Australia women's national soccer team.
2019: Considering Move to European Team
At the end of the 2019 season, Sam Kerr announced that she was considering moving to a European team and had received multiple offers.
2019: Kerr Begins Playing in the FA Women's Super League
Sam Kerr started playing in the FA Women's Super League in 2019.
2019: Nike Endorsement and Global Recognition
In 2019, Sam Kerr's rising status as a global football icon was cemented through a significant endorsement deal with Nike. She featured in a prominent commercial titled "Dream Further," which aired during high-profile events such as the Champions League Final and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. The advertisement featured other football stars like Gerard Piqué, Alex Scott, Neymar Jr., Crystal Dunn, Lieke Martens, and Philippe Coutinho, showcasing her growing influence and global reach. Further solidifying her recognition, her iconic backflip celebration was prominently displayed in Nike's "Dream Crazier" ad, which aired during the prestigious 91st Academy Awards ceremony, alongside renowned female athletes Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Diana Taurasi.
2019: Sam Kerr signs with Chelsea
Sam Kerr signed with Chelsea in 2019.
January 2020: Chelsea Debut and First Goal
Sam Kerr made her Chelsea debut against Reading on 5 January 2020 and scored her first goal two weeks later against Arsenal.
August 2020: Women's FA Community Shield and Hat-Trick
On 29 August 2020, Kerr created goal scoring opportunities in Chelsea's 2–0 win over Manchester City in the Women's FA Community Shield. She also scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over Bristol City, helping Chelsea defend their League Cup title.
September 2020: High Ranking in FIFA 21
In September 2020, when FIFA 21 was released, Sam Kerr was revealed as the second-highest-rated female player with an impressive 92 rating, second only to Megan Rapinoe's 93 rating, signifying her standing among the world's best female footballers.
2020: Kerr Continues as West Coast Eagles' Number-One Ticket Holder
Sam Kerr continued her role as the West Coast Eagles' number-one ticket holder in 2020.
2020: Kerr Joins Chelsea
Sam Kerr joined Chelsea Football Club in 2020.
2020: Sam Kerr wins the Golden Boot in the Women's Super League
Sam Kerr won the Golden Boot in the Women's Super League in 2020.
2020: Kerr's Debut in the UEFA Women's Champions League
Sam Kerr's first appearance in the UEFA Women's Champions League was in 2020.
2020: 2020 Tokyo Olympics
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, is mentioned in the context of Kerr's performance and goal-scoring achievements for the Australian Women's National Team.
2020: Sam Kerr represents Australia at the Summer Olympics
Sam Kerr played for Australia at the Summer Olympics in 2020.
November 2021: Contract Extension and Key Performances
On 16 November 2021, Sam Kerr signed a two-year contract extension with Chelsea, keeping her at the club until the end of the 2023–24 season. Kerr also scored key goals in Champions League matches and domestic games, including scoring her third league hat-trick and celebrating with her signature back-flip.
2021: The Australian women's national soccer team reach the semi-finals for the first time
In 2021, the Australian women's national soccer team, captained by Sam Kerr, reached the semi-finals for the first time in the history of the team at a major tournament during the Summer Olympics.
2021: Sam Kerr wins the Golden Boot in the Women's Super League
Sam Kerr won the Golden Boot in the Women's Super League in 2021.
2021: Chelsea reaches the UEFA Women's Champions League final for the first time
Chelsea, with help from Sam Kerr, reached the UEFA Women's Champions League final for the first time in 2021.
2021: Kerr's Performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, Sam Kerr continued to shine for the Australian Women's National Team. She scored in their opening victory against New Zealand and followed up with a brace in their narrow loss to Sweden, despite missing a penalty. She led the Matildas to a historic semi-final appearance, including a thrilling 4-3 extra-time win against Great Britain, where she netted a hat-trick. Despite a controversial disallowed goal in the semi-final loss to Sweden, Kerr secured her legacy by surpassing Lisa De Vanna to become the Matildas' all-time top scorer during their bronze medal match against the United States.
2021: Publication of First Children's Book
Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Sam Kerr ventured into writing, publishing her first book, "The Flip Out," in 2021. This release marked the beginning of her autobiographical football-themed children's book series, "Kicking Goals," showcasing her commitment to inspiring young athletes.
March 2022: Record-Breaking Win and Consistent Scoring
On 27 March 2022, Kerr scored a brace in Chelsea's 0–9 win against Leicester City in the WSL, continuing a streak of scoring in five consecutive matches.
April 2022: FWA Women's Footballer of the Year and Success with Chelsea
In April 2022, Kerr was named FWA Women's Footballer of the Year and won the FA WSL April Player of the Month. She ended the season with 32 goals and 9 assists, winning the Women's Super League and the FA Women's Cup for the third and second consecutive times, respectively.
July 2022: Kerr Featured on FIFA 23 Cover
In July 2022, Sam Kerr was featured on the cover of the Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23 alongside Kylian Mbappé, making history as the first female player to appear on the global cover of the game franchise.
2022: 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup
In the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, Sam Kerr etched her name in Australian football history. During Australia's opening match against Indonesia, she achieved a remarkable feat by scoring five goals, not only equalling but surpassing Tim Cahill's record of 50 international goals to become both the male and female Australian international top scorer. This milestone was even more impressive considering she reached it in fewer matches than Cahill. Despite Australia's quarter-final exit to South Korea, Kerr's seven goals in just four matches earned her the Golden Boot, reaffirming her status as a prolific goal-scorer.
2022: Sam Kerr represents Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament
Sam Kerr played for Australia at the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament in 2022.
January 2023: Kerr Detained After Incident
On January 30, 2023, Sam Kerr was detained overnight in Twickenham following a dispute over a taxi fare, during which she allegedly vomited in the cab and verbally abused a police officer.
July 2023: Kerr Stars in Degree Deodorant Commercial
In July 2023, Sam Kerr appeared in a commercial for Degree deodorant along with Trinity Rodman, Tamires, and Estefania Banini.
October 2023: Sam Kerr Football Centre Opening
On October 27, 2023, the newly built West Australian State Football Centre was officially named the Sam Kerr Football Centre during its opening ceremony.
November 2023: Kerr and Mewis' Engagement
On November 9, 2023, Kristie Mewis confirmed in an interview with People magazine that she and Sam Kerr were engaged.
November 2023: First UEFA Champions League Hat-Trick
On 23 November 2023, Sam Kerr scored her first UEFA Champions League hat-trick against Paris FC.
2023: Kerr's return from injury and performance in the knockout stages of the 2023 World Cup.
Sam Kerr made her much-anticipated return to the 2023 World Cup, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute of the Matildas' round of 16 victory over Denmark. She was again utilized as a substitute in their historic quarter-final win against France, where she confidently scored in the penalty shootout, helping secure Australia's first-ever semi-final appearance. Facing England in the semi-final, Kerr scored a stunning equalizing goal, her first of the tournament, which was later nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award. Although the Matildas fell short of reaching the final, losing 3-1, Kerr's impactful performances cemented her status as a global football star.
2023: Kerr captains the Matildas in the 2023 World Cup
On July 3rd, it was revealed that Sam Kerr would be captain of the Matildas for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. This marked her 4th World Cup appearance, this time on home soil. Unfortunately, a calf injury kept her out of the opening match against Ireland, and it was later announced she would miss the first two pool matches. Speculation grew that she may miss the entire group stage, or even the entire tournament. There were rumors that the team downplayed the severity of her injury, and she ultimately missed all three group games. However, she was potentially available to play against Canada if needed, although their comfortable 4-0 victory eliminated that possibility.
2023: Kerr Crowned World's Best & Featured in FIFA 23 Women's World Cup
In 2023, Sam Kerr was crowned the world's best women's footballer in FIFA 23 Women's World Cup alongside Alexia Putellas. New artwork featuring her was also included in the game for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
January 2024: ACL Injury
On 7 January 2024, Chelsea confirmed that Sam Kerr had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a warm weather training camp in Morocco, which would make her miss the remainder of the season.
January 2024: Kerr Charged with Racially Aggravated Harassment
On January 21, 2024, Sam Kerr was formally charged with racially aggravated harassment towards a police officer stemming from the January 2023 incident.
March 2024: Media Reports on Kerr's Charges
In March 2024, media outlets became aware of the charges against Kerr, leading to public disclosure of the incident and court case.
2024: Sam Kerr loses title of all-time leading scorer in the NWSL
In 2024, Sam Kerr lost her title as the all-time leading scorer in the National Women's Soccer League.
February 2025: Kerr's Trial Scheduled
Sam Kerr's trial for the racially aggravated harassment charge is set for February 2025.