Sam Kerr's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Sam Kerr. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Samantha Kerr is an Australian professional footballer widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the world. As the captain of the Matildas, Australia’s national team, she has led her country to historic heights, including a semi-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Kerr has achieved immense success at the club level, notably with Chelsea FC in the FA Women's Super League, where she has secured multiple league titles and Golden Boot awards. A prolific goal-scorer, she is celebrated for her clinical finishing, agility, and aerial prowess. Kerr holds the record as the all-time leading scorer for the Australian national team, across both men's and women's football, and has consistently been a top contender for global individual honors such as the Ballon d'Or Féminin. Her influence extends beyond the pitch, making her a global icon in women's sports and a key figure in the rise of professional women’s football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1966: J. J. Miller Wins the Melbourne Cup

In 1966, J. J. Miller, who was the uncle of Sam Kerr's mother, achieved a significant sporting victory by winning the Melbourne Cup horse race while riding the horse Galilee.

2008: Professional Career Debut with Perth Glory

In 2008, at the age of 15, Sam Kerr began her professional football career playing for Perth Glory.

2009: Professional Debut and Award Recognition

In 2009, Sam Kerr made her professional debut for Perth Glory at the age of 15, becoming the W-League's youngest player. That same year, she was honored as the Players' Player and received the Goal of the Year award for a strike against Sydney FC.

2009: Senior International Debut

In 2009, at the young age of 15, Sam Kerr earned her first senior international cap for the Australian national football team.

January 2011: Match-Winning Brace Against Adelaide United

On 14 January 2011, Sam Kerr scored two goals in the first half of a match against Adelaide United, securing a 2-1 victory for Perth Glory.

2013: Joining Western New York Flash and NWSL Success

In 2013, Kerr joined the Western New York Flash for the NWSL's inaugural season, where she contributed to the team's victory in the NWSL Shield.

2014: 2014 NWSL Season Performance and Transfer

During the 2014 season, Sam Kerr played for the Western New York Flash, appearing in all 20 matches and scoring 9 goals to become the team's leading scorer. Her performance earned her the NWSL Player of the Week title in week 9. Following the conclusion of the 2014 season, Kerr was traded to Sky Blue FC.

2016: 2016-17 W-League Season Success

During the 2016-17 W-League season, Sam Kerr showcased her skill by scoring ten goals and guiding her team to the Grand Final. Her exceptional performance earned her the Julie Dolan Medal and the Penny Tanner Media MVP Award in 2016.

2016: 2016 Sky Blue FC Season Performance

Throughout the 2016 season, Sam Kerr played nine matches for Sky Blue FC following her national team commitments for the 2016 Rio Olympics, during which time she netted five regular-season goals and earned NWSL Player of the Week honors in Week 18 for her two-goal performance against the Orlando Pride.

2017: Golden Boot Success in NWSL

During 2017, Sam Kerr secured the Golden Boot award while competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

2017: Historic NWSL Performance and 2017 Season Success

During the 2017 season, Sam Kerr achieved a historic milestone by scoring four goals in a single match to lead Sky Blue FC to a 5-4 comeback victory over the Seattle Reign after trailing 3-0 at halftime. In 2017, she also became the all-time leading goalscorer in NWSL history at age 23 and concluded the season by winning both the NWSL Golden Boot and the league MVP award after netting a record-breaking 17 goals.

October 2018: First W-League Marquee Player

In October 2018, Sam Kerr made history by becoming the first marquee player of the W-League. She committed to staying with Perth after receiving a $400,000 contract, choosing to remain in Australia despite receiving lower-value offers from overseas.

2018: Dual League Golden Boot Wins

Throughout 2018, Sam Kerr achieved significant success by winning the Golden Boot in both the W-League for the 2017–18 season and the NWSL.

2019: Sam Kerr considers move to European football

At the conclusion of the 2019 season, Sam Kerr publicly announced that she was evaluating multiple contract offers from European teams, signaling a potential transition in her professional football career.

2019: FIFA World Cup Hat-trick Milestone

During the 2019 FIFA World Cup, Sam Kerr made history by becoming the first Australian player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup tournament.

2019: Sam Kerr's Historic 2019 NWSL Season

During the 2019 season, Sam Kerr achieved several historic milestones: she was named the 2019 NWSL MVP for the second time, secured her third consecutive NWSL Golden Boot with 18 goals and five assists, and was honored as the NWSL Players Association Player of the Year. Additionally, in 2019, she led the Chicago Red Stars to their first NWSL Championship appearance.

2019: Consecutive Golden Boot Achievements

In 2019, Sam Kerr continued her prolific scoring form, earning the Golden Boot in the W-League for the 2018–19 season and the NWSL.

2019: Appointment as National Team Captain

In 2019, Samantha May Kerr assumed the role of captain for the Australian national soccer team, a position she has held since that time.

January 2020: Sam Kerr's Chelsea Debut and First Goal

Sam Kerr made her debut for Chelsea against Reading on January 5, 2020, and subsequently scored her first goal for the club during a match against Arsenal two weeks later in January 2020.

2020: Women's Super League Golden Boot Start

During the 2020–21 season, which began in 2020, Sam Kerr claimed the Golden Boot in the Women's Super League (Europe).

2020: Completion of Domestic Quadruple

In 2020, specifically concluding during the delayed FA Cup final on 5 December 2021, Sam Kerr helped Chelsea secure the domestic quadruple for the 2020–21 season, marking a historic achievement for an English women's club.

November 2021: Contract Extension with Chelsea

On 16 November 2021, Sam Kerr committed her future to Chelsea by signing a two-year contract extension, ensuring she would remain with the club through the conclusion of the 2023–24 season.

2021: UEFA Women's Champions League Final Appearance

In 2021, Sam Kerr played a pivotal role in helping her team, Chelsea, reach the UEFA Women's Champions League final for the first time in the club's history.

2021: Continued Golden Boot Dominance in WSL

In 2021, Sam Kerr successfully defended her scoring title by winning the Golden Boot in the Women's Super League for the 2021–22 season.

2021: Olympic Semi-final Captaincy

In 2021, while playing in the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics, Sam Kerr captained Australia to their first-ever semi-final in a major tournament, securing a best-ever fourth-place finish.

2024: NWSL All-Time Leading Scorer Milestone

In 2024, Sam Kerr's record as the all-time leading scorer in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) was surpassed by another player.

29 August 2020: 2020 Women's FA Community Shield

On 29 August 2020, Sam Kerr played for Chelsea in the 2020 Women's FA Community Shield, where she was instrumental in creating multiple scoring opportunities during the team's 2–0 victory over Manchester City before being substituted.