Chelsea striker Sam Kerr signs new contract until 2026

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has signed a new contract that will keep her at the club until 2026.

The Australian has cemented her status as one of the most prolific forwards in world football since joining the Blues from the Chicago Red Stars in 2019. She has scored 99 goals in 128 matches for Chelsea, winning five Women's Super League (WSL) titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups.

She has been sidelined since January after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a warm weather training camp in Morocco. The 30-year-old underwent successful surgery shortly after sustaining the injury.

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Prior to penning her new deal, Kerr had last signed fresh terms in November 2021, with that contract due to expire this summer. However, she has now committed to her future to Chelsea, who are set to embark on a new era under former Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor next term, following the departure of long-time manager Emma Hayes.

On her decision to sign a new contract, Kerr said: "It’s really exciting and a very proud moment for me. Having the opportunity to stay at a club like Chelsea means a lot to me. I’m really excited to continue to push and to try to win trophies."

General manager Paul Green added: "We are delighted that Sam has extended her deal with the club. Sam is a leader and one of the world’s best strikers and goalscorers. She has been very important to our success, and we look forward to welcoming her back from injury next season."

Kerr has won the WSL Golden Boot twice during her time at Kingsmeadow and was runner-up to Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí at the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards last year. A talisman for both club and country, she is set to miss this summer's Olympics in Paris while she continues her rehabilitation from injury.