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Sam Kerr's farewell from Chelsea FC and her future move to the US

By Updated 16 May 20264 articles from 3 sources

Consensus Summary

Sam Kerr announced her departure from Chelsea FC after six-and-a-half years, marking the end of a highly successful career with the club. She scored 115 goals in all competitions, tying the club’s all-time record previously held by Fran Kirby, and made 157 appearances, winning five Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups. Her final match on 2026-05-16 against Manchester United ended in a 1-0 victory, with Kerr scoring a winning goal to earn a standing ovation from fans. Kerr is expected to continue her career in the US National Women’s Soccer League, with reports suggesting she will join the Denver Summit. Her time at Chelsea was celebrated for her contributions both on and off the pitch, and she expressed gratitude for the club’s support. The news of her departure coincides with Chelsea’s interest in signing Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, while Arsenal’s Katie McCabe is also leaving the club this summer.

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Key details reported by multiple sources:

  • Sam Kerr will leave Chelsea at the end of the 2025-26 season after six-and-a-half years with the club.
  • Kerr scored 115 goals for Chelsea in all competitions, tying the club's all-time record previously held by Fran Kirby.
  • Kerr made 157 appearances for Chelsea, making her the fourth-highest on the club's all-time appearance list.
  • Kerr won five Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups during her time at Chelsea.
  • Kerr scored a winning goal in her final match for Chelsea against Manchester United on 2026-05-16, securing a 1-0 victory.
  • Kerr is expected to continue her career in the NWSL in the US, where her wife Kristie Mewis plays.
  • Kerr was named Football Writers’ Association’s women’s footballer of the year twice in succession (2022 and 2023).
  • Kerr was the Ballon d’Or runner-up in 2023.
  • Kerr’s final game for Chelsea was against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Points of Difference

Details reported by only one source:

ABC News
  • Kerr scored her 116th goal for Chelsea in the 34th minute of her final match, tying the record with Fran Kirby.
  • Kerr had a one-year-old son named Jagger who attended the match, born in Chelsea.
  • Kerr scored 16 goals in 29 appearances during the 2025-26 WSL season.
  • Kerr was sidelined for 20 months due to a torn ACL injury.
  • Kerr led the Matildas to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals, sparking a surge in women’s football interest in Australia.
  • Kerr’s final goal was a volley from a Lauren James cross, earning a standing ovation from fans and even Manchester United players.
  • Chelsea finished third in the WSL table, securing a place in the Champions League qualifiers next season.
The Guardian
  • Kerr is Chelsea’s leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League with 64 goals.
  • Chelsea are reportedly favourites to sign Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw, offering her a ÂŁ1m-per-year contract.
  • Arsenal’s Katie McCabe will leave the club this summer after 305 appearances, including winning the Champions League in 2025.
SBS News
  • Kerr is expected to join the Denver Summit in the NWSL.

Contradictions

Conflicting information between sources:

  • The ABC article states Kerr scored 116 goals for Chelsea, while the Guardian states she scored 115 goals, tying the record with Fran Kirby.
  • The ABC article mentions Kerr scored 16 goals in 29 appearances this season, while the Guardian does not provide this specific statistic.

Source Articles

ABC

Sam Kerr bids emotional Chelsea farewell with record-equalling goal

Sam Kerr ties the record for the most Women's Super League goals for Chelsea as she plays her final match with the London club after more than six years.

ABC

Breaking: Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea Football Club

The Matildas star has spent over six years playing for the London-based team.

GUARDIAN

Sam Kerr confirms she will leave Chelsea at end of the season

Australia striker to leave after six and a half years Katie McCabe to leave Arsenal at end of campaign Sam Kerr will leave Chelsea this summer when her contract expires, the club have announced, ending her six-and-a-half-year spell in west London. The Australia striker is Chelsea’s leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League with 64 goals and has scored 115 times for the Londoners in all competitions, during an era of remarkable success for both her and the club. Continue reading...

SBS

Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea after six years and trophy-laden career with London club

The Matildas captain is expected to make a move to the US National Women's Soccer League team Denver Summit.