Sam Kerr: West Aussie soccer star speaks on life as a new mother and next stage of her career

Global soccer star, proud WA export, brand ambassador, and new mother — Sam Kerr has been kicking goals, and setting new ones, since she debuted for Perth Glory at just 15.

While some might argue the Matildas captain has reached the twilight of her career, the doting mum to one-year-old Jagger and wife to US player Kristie Mewis has embarked on possibly her most rewarding chapter yet.

Kerr, 32, and Mewis, 35, welcomed their son in May 2025, a milestone that forced the West Aussie to prepare for the next phase of her life and career.

In May of this year, the striker announced her departure from UK heavyweight Chelsea following six and a half years and 116 goals at the club.

A month later, it was revealed she had signed with New York’s Gotham FC through 2030, a club Kerr had earlier represented across 2015-2017.

The striker does not suggest proximity to Mewis’ family and her a greater support network sparked the move, and insists success on-field remains high on her agenda.

“I had to weigh up everything, it was no different to any other footballing decision I had made,” Kerr told PerthNow.

That’s not to say the athlete-turned-parent has shirked from her most important job, crediting Jagger for shifting her perspective on life.

The tot is frequently featured in Kerr and Mewis’ social media adventures — spotted at match days across the globe, and holidays when Kerr’s international duties permit.

But the forward’s lean into her softer side has not affected her hard-edge on the pitch, scoring three goals from five appearances this season.

“He’s (Jagger) obviously given me a new outlook on life but mostly in my personal life, making every day so much better,” Kerr said.

“As an athlete I like to keep it separate and still take my job as serious as I previously did.”

While the star’s prominent international career has led her to partner with global brands such as Nike, Richard Mille, and Mastercard, Kerr’s latest collaboration is perhaps her most appropriate for right now.

Earlier this year, she partnered with Bonds’ for their WonderGrow campaign, a decision that reflected her evolving priorities, and kinship with parents across Australia.