Sam Kerr to Leave Chelsea at End of 2025-26 Season

Chelsea announced on 14 May 2026 that Sam Kerr will leave when her contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. She departs as the club’s fourth-highest appearance maker (157 matches) and one goal behind Fran Kirby’s record, having scored 115 goals. Her final game will be the home WSL match against Manchester United.

ESPN

Kerr joined Chelsea in November 2019 on a US$1 million deal and debuted in January 2020. She won consecutive WSL Golden Boots (2020-21, 2021-22) as the club secured back-to-back titles. An ACL tear in January 2024 sidelined her for 20 months; she returned in September 2024, scoring her 100th Chelsea goal.

Sam Kerr to Leave Chelsea After 6+ Years with the Blues

Kerr made 157 appearances, netting 115 goals and becoming Chelsea’s all-time WSL top scorer with 64 league goals. In the 2025-26 campaign she recorded 16 goals in 29 appearances. She helped win five WSL titles (some reports say six), three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield. She captains Australia. Her honours include two WSL Golden Boots, the 2022-23 WSL Player of the Year, two consecutive Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year awards, a PFA WSL Team of the Year selection and runner-up in the 2023 Ballon d’Or.

Sam Kerr to Leave Chelsea After 6+ Years with the BluesSam Kerr to leave Chelsea at the end of the seasonNew York Times

Kerr’s departure removes a prolific scorer who drove Chelsea’s domestic success. The club also loses veteran defender Millie Bright, intensifying the need for replacements. Chelsea’s reported pursuit of league top scorer Khadija Shaw highlights the search for a new attacking focal point, while her exit reshapes the WSL’s star landscape.

Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea: Australia international to depart Women's Super League club this summer

Kerr said she felt “happy” and “grateful” for her six-year spell and the trophies won. Chelsea thanked her for her significant impact on the pitch and her role in the club’s growth off it, and wished her the best in her next chapter.

ESPN

Sources differ on Kerr’s total WSL titles: most list five, while *The Athletic* records six.

Sam Kerr to Leave Chelsea After 6+ Years with the Blues

NWSL clubs have shown strong interest in Kerr, suggesting a possible move back to the United States. Chelsea is reportedly targeting Khadija Shaw on a £1 million-per-year deal to fill the attacking gap.

Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea: Australia international to depart Women's Super League club this summer

• “The Australian said: “When I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time [against Manchester United this Saturday], I just feel happy.” — Sam Kerr, Australia striker

Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea at the end of the season

• “Happy that it happened, and I feel so grateful to have played for this club for six years and won as many trophies as we could.” — Sam Kerr, Australia striker

ESPN

• “We thank Sam for her incredible contribution to our success on the pitch and sustained growth off it. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.” — Chelsea Women, official club statement

ESPN

• “She was our top scorer during trophy-laden 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns and twice earned Women's Super League Golden Boot awards after we claimed successive titles.” — Chelsea Women, official club statement

Nine.com.au