Sam Kerr’s recovery from her ACL injury tested her both physically and mentally, to the point where she grew tired of being reminded how long she had been sidelined.
“I just wanted it to be over,” she told her soon-to-be sister-in-law, former U.S. international Sam Mewis, on The Friendlies podcast. “I hated those moments when people would say, ‘Oh my god, 624 days.’ I just wanted to play again so everyone would stop talking about it.”
Earlier this month, that long wait finally ended. After being an unused substitute against Manchester City on September 6, Kerr made her long-awaited return a week later in Chelsea’s Women’s Super League match against Aston Villa.
When she entered the field in the 75th minute, Chelsea fans cheered—but for Kerr, the moment that really made it feel real was the boos from Villa supporters. “I was like, ‘Yes, I’m back. I’m getting booed,’” she laughed.
Her comeback was sealed with a stoppage-time goal that secured a 3-1 win for Chelsea—her 100th for the club. While not the prettiest finish, it was a huge personal milestone after nearly two years out. “I was just relieved and laughing,” she said. “The way my teammates celebrated with me really melted my heart.”
Kerr admitted the road back was far from smooth, full of setbacks and frustrations. At times, she wondered if people had lost faith in her ability to return. But the support from Chelsea fans kept her going.
Off the pitch, life also gave her a new perspective. She and partner Kristie Mewis welcomed their first child, Jagger, which reminded her that football isn’t her whole identity. “We got to spend more time together, see family, have Jags. It kept me going. Now I don’t hang my whole life on football.”
Turning 32 this month, Kerr rejects the idea that her best years are behind her. With the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia and the 2027 World Cup ahead, she says she has “way more in my locker than one more” major tournament.
And when the day finally comes to hang up her boots, coaching could be her next chapter. Inspired by her former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, Kerr wants to create environments where players feel valued and perform at their best. “Maybe I’ll start as an assistant,” she said, “but I’d want to bring that same approach.”
For now, though, Sam Kerr is back—and the sound of rival fans booing proved it more than anything else.
