Sam Kerr signs contract extension until 2026

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr, aged 30, has agreed to extend her contract until 2026, as announced by the Women's Super League (WSL) champions on Thursday.

Kerr, who holds the record for the most goals scored by an Australian player with 69 goals in 128 appearances, has been out of action since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a training session with Chelsea in January.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Kerr stated in a statement, "I am extremely thrilled to continue pushing forward and striving to bring home more trophies for Chelsea." Her previous contract was due to expire this year.

Since joining Chelsea in the 2019/20 season, Kerr has netted an impressive 99 goals in 128 matches for the London-based club.

During her tenure at Chelsea, she has secured five WSL titles, along with three FA Cups and two League Cups.

In the upcoming season, Kerr will lead Chelsea into a new chapter without coach Emma Hayes, who recently departed the English club after serving as head coach for nearly 12 years to take on the role of head coach for the US women's national team.

Sonia Bompastor has been appointed as Chelsea's new head coach on a four-year contract.

Reflecting on her time at Chelsea, Kerr shared her sentiments in a video posted on the club's social media, saying, "After four years, it's difficult to put into words how I feel.

My journey at Chelsea has been unforgettable, filled with cherished memories, lifelong dreams, and trophy victories. To the fans, always remember that I will forever be a part of Chelsea. I hope you warmly welcome Sonia and continue to support the team."

Next year, the captain of the Matildas is scheduled to face trial in Britain on a charge of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer, which allegedly occurred in January 2023. Kerr pleaded not guilty to the charge in March.