Sam Kerr, one of the most decorated players in women’s football, marked her long-awaited return to action in stunning fashion by netting her 100th goal for Chelsea. The Australian striker achieved the milestone after enduring a grueling 20-month spell on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, a period that tested both her body and her resilience.
Kerr, 32, had not featured for Chelsea since December 2023, having torn her ACL during a training camp in January 2024. The devastating injury forced her out of competitive football and ruled her out of major tournaments, including the latter part of the Matildas’ international campaigns. For an athlete of her stature, the absence was both mentally and physically draining.
But on Sunday, in Chelsea’s second-straight Women’s Super League victory, she returned to the pitch with the same presence that made her one of the most feared forwards in the game. Coming on as a late substitute in the Blues’ 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Kerr needed no time to remind fans of her brilliance. Her finish, the third of the match, secured the points for Chelsea and simultaneously etched her name in the club’s history books.
After the match, Kerr admitted the emotions that came flooding back were mixed with relief more than anything else.
“It feels good, obviously really happy but just a lot of relief,” Kerr said. “It’s been a bit of a long journey, so I’m glad it’s over.”
The strike was Kerr’s 100th goal for Chelsea, a landmark she never thought she would reach when she first joined the London club in 2019. For her, the milestone was as much about perseverance and sacrifice as it was about her natural ability in front of goal.
“It’s massive, when I signed for Chelsea I never ever thought I’d score 100 goals,” she reflected. “And to do it for such a massive club as Chelsea and a club that I love so dearly it’s an amazing achievement and something I’m really proud of.
“I’m a goal scorer, that’s what I love doing, and those 100 goals represent a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifices to get there.
“I know people may think scoring 100 goals is just another thing, but for me, it’s an amazing achievement and something I’ll look back on for the rest of my life.”
The Long Road Back
Kerr’s recovery was one of the most closely watched in women’s football. The ACL injury, often career-threatening for athletes, required surgery, rehabilitation, and an unshakable commitment to return. Fans across the globe waited for updates as she shared snippets of her journey through the months of grueling recovery.
Chelsea, meanwhile, pressed on in her absence, but her teammates and coach made no secret of how much they missed her influence on and off the pitch. Kerr’s return has not only lifted her personally but also reinvigorated a Chelsea side aiming to defend their dominance in the Women’s Super League.
The fact that her comeback goal carried such symbolic weight made it even more memorable. Scoring the decisive third goal, she reminded everyone why she has been central to Chelsea’s golden era in English football.
A Career of Milestones
Kerr’s latest achievement adds another glittering chapter to an already legendary career. Known worldwide for her pace, movement, and predatory instincts, she has dominated leagues in Australia, the United States, and now England.
Her 100 goals for Chelsea came in just 128 appearances, a remarkable strike rate that underscores her consistency at the highest level. In her time with the Blues, she has lifted multiple league titles, FA Cups, and individual awards, cementing her place as one of the greatest forwards in women’s football history.
For Australian fans, her success in England has always been intertwined with her role as captain of the Matildas. Her international career has inspired a new generation of players back home, and her resilience in coming back from injury further strengthens her legacy as a role model.
What Comes Next
While Kerr has celebrated the milestone, her focus now shifts to regaining full match sharpness and helping Chelsea chase silverware this season. With the Matildas also eyeing international success, her return could not be more timely.
Her coach and teammates have described her presence as “transformational,” not only because of her goals but also because of the leadership and energy she brings. For Chelsea, having Kerr back is almost like signing a world-class striker all over again.
As for Kerr, she remains grounded despite the accolades. To her, scoring goals is second nature, but reaching 100 for a club of Chelsea’s stature means much more. It represents her survival through hardship and her return to doing what she does best—finding the back of the net.
