After last playing for Sky Blue FC in 2017, Sam Kerr has agreed to return to the club now known as Gotham FC.
The 32-year-old Australian goal machine signed a multiyear contract on Monday that will run through the 2030 season after her Chelsea contract expired.
A Full-Circle Moment for Kerr and Gotham FC
Kerr expressed her excitement about joining the reigning NWSL champions. In the years following the January 18, 2018, trade that sent her to the Chicago Red Stars, Gotham has transformed into a prestigious club that has won two NWSL championships (2023, 2025) and one Concacaf W Champions Cup (2024-25).
Most recently, Gotham won its first NWSL Challenge Cup by defeating the Kansas City Current 2-0 last Friday.
“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” Kerr told Gotham’s official website. “This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special. The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.”
Kerr will wear her familiar No. 20 shirt, which she previously donned for Sky Blue. Goakeeper Teagan Wy, who wore the No. 20 jersey earlier this season, has switched to No. 31.
Kerr’s Return Marks a Major Statement of Ambition
Gotham FC president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West believes that Kerr’s match-changing ability will make a major impact for the Bats. Kerr is the all-time NWSL leading goalscorer, having netted a record 77 goals.
“Sam is one of the defining players of her generation and a game-changing talent who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of world football,” Averbuch West said.
“Her winning mentality, relentless competitiveness and ability to decide matches in an instant make her one of the most impactful players in the game. Bringing Sam back to Gotham is a landmark moment for our club, and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Back on June 17, The Athletic reported that Kerr would join Gotham following the expiry of her Chelsea contract.
Kerr will look to spark a Gotham attack that has scored 12 goals through 11 NWSL regular-season matches. Given her track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if she reignites the Bats’ goal-getting prowess in the final third.
In her previous stint for the organization, Kerr scored 28 goals across 40 matches in all competitions. She has captured the NWSL Golden Boot three times in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Kerr won the NWSL Most Valuable Player Award in 2017 as a member of Sky Blue FC and in 2019 with Chicago. She was named to the NWSL Best XI in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Kerr and Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga (2024 and 2025) are the only players to win multiple MVP awards in league history.
Gotham FC will return to NWSL regular-season action on July 4 at Snapdragon Stadium against San Diego Wave FC. Kick off is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
Kerr will not be eligible to play for Gotham FC until after the NWSL transfer window opens on July 14, with her first possible match coming against the Washington Spirit in The Queens Classic on July 15.
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