Sam Kerr isn’t just a name in women’s soccer—she’s a global brand, a trailblazer, and one of the most influential figures in the sport. Whether you know her for her electrifying goals, her leadership on the pitch, or her iconic backflip celebrations, one question often pops up among fans and critics alike: What is Sam Kerr salary?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Sam Kerr’s earnings—from her club salary to endorsements, bonuses, and her growing impact on equal pay in sports.
Who Is Sam Kerr?
Before diving into the dollars and cents, let’s take a quick look at who Sam Kerr is.
Born on September 10, 1993, in East Fremantle, Western Australia, Sam Kerr began playing soccer at a young age and made her debut for the Australian national team, the Matildas, at just 15 years old. Her athleticism, goal-scoring ability, and leadership have taken her to some of the world’s top clubs, including the Chicago Red Stars, Perth Glory, and most recently, Chelsea FC Women in the English Women’s Super League (WSL).
Kerr has won numerous accolades, including:
- AFC Women’s Player of the Year
- Golden Boot awards in multiple leagues
- Australian Young Player of the Year
- Runner-up for the Ballon d’Or Féminin
She is also the captain of the Matildas and a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports.
What Is Sam Kerr’s Club Salary?
As of 2025, Sam Kerr plays for Chelsea FC Women, one of the top teams in Europe. According to reliable reports, Sam Kerr’s salary at Chelsea is estimated to be around £400,000 to £500,000 per year, which converts to roughly $500,000 to $620,000 USD.
This makes her one of the highest-paid female footballers in the world, although still far below the salaries of her male counterparts in the Premier League. By comparison, some of Chelsea’s male players earn that amount in just a week.
Despite the pay gap, Kerr’s earnings mark significant progress for women’s football and help shine a light on the growing commercial potential of the women’s game.
International Duty: Playing for the Matildas
When Sam Kerr wears the green and gold for Australia, she doesn’t earn a massive paycheck. National team players are generally paid based on a match fee structure, bonuses, and tournament appearances.
However, in 2019, Football Federation Australia (FFA) announced a historic collective bargaining agreement that ensured equal pay between the men’s and women’s national teams. This means Sam Kerr earns the same base pay as male Socceroos stars when representing her country—an important milestone for gender equality in sports.
While exact figures vary, match fees for senior Matildas players can range from $1,500 to $2,500 per game, plus performance bonuses and per diems during international tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
This is where Sam Kerr truly excels. Beyond her club and national team salary, she earns significantly through endorsements, brand partnerships, and social media presence.
Kerr has been associated with major global brands, including:
- Nike – She’s a key figure in Nike’s marketing campaigns and has her own signature boot line.
- Powerade – Sam Kerr has featured in national commercials and global promotions.
- EA Sports – She made history by becoming the first female player to feature on the global cover of FIFA 23.
- CommBank, Cadbury, and Samsung have also been part of her sponsorship portfolio.
It’s estimated that her endorsement deals bring in an additional $1 million to $1.5 million per year, possibly more, especially after her recent World Cup performances and global recognition.
This brings Sam Kerr’s total annual income to approximately $2 million or more, depending on performance bonuses, appearances, and brand deals.
Social Media Influence and Appearances
Sam Kerr’s online presence also plays a role in her earnings. With millions of followers across Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, she commands significant influence in the digital space.
Brands are willing to pay top dollar for sponsored content and appearances from athletes with this level of engagement. Kerr has successfully used her platform not just to market products but to promote social causes, women’s rights, and inclusivity in sports.
She also earns from public appearances, speaking engagements, and collaborations with charitable organizations, though these are often more about impact than profit.
Comparison With Male Counterparts
Let’s face it—despite Sam Kerr’s elite status, her salary still pales in comparison to that of top male players. For instance:
- Cristiano Ronaldo earns over $200 million per year, mostly from his club and endorsements.
- Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé also rake in over $100 million annually.
Even male players from mid-level Premier League clubs often earn more than Kerr’s yearly income—highlighting the ongoing gender pay gap in football.
However, Sam Kerr is helping to narrow that divide. Her popularity and performance have become a strong argument for increased investment in women’s soccer.
Advocating for Equal Pay and Representation
Kerr isn’t just breaking scoring records—she’s breaking barriers. As a visible and vocal advocate for equality, she has pushed for:
- Equal resources and training facilities
- Fair media coverage
- Equal pay policies for national teams
She’s also been involved in player unions and athlete councils, speaking up for the rights of female footballers across the globe. Kerr’s financial success isn’t just about her—it’s a symbol of what’s possible for the next generation of girls who dream of going pro.
Lifestyle and Net Worth
As of 2025, Sam Kerr’s estimated net worth is between $4 million and $5 million. Her income allows her a comfortable lifestyle, although she remains grounded and passionate about her sport and social causes.
She lives part-time in London and part-time in Australia and shares glimpses of her life with fans online. Kerr is in a high-profile relationship with U.S. soccer star Kristie Mewis, and the pair have become one of the most loved couples in women’s sports.
Despite her wealth and fame, Kerr is known for her humble nature and focus on the game. Her commitment to growth and performance makes her more than just an athlete—she’s a role model.
The Business of Women’s Soccer: Growing Every Year
The growing interest in players like Sam Kerr is not just about star power—it’s about business. Women’s soccer is expanding rapidly:
- Record-breaking attendance at matches
- Growing viewership on streaming platforms
- Increased media coverage and sponsorship
Sam Kerr is at the center of this shift. Her salary and overall income show that female athletes can be just as marketable and impactful as their male counterparts—if given the right platform and visibility.
Conclusion
Sam Kerr’s salary is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of progress. From earning match fees as a teenager to becoming one of the highest-paid female footballers, Kerr’s journey is both inspiring and indicative of where women’s hotsoccergirls is headed.
While she doesn’t earn as much as the top male players, her combined income from club salary, national team appearances, and endorsements places her at the forefront of the sport’s financial revolution.
She’s not just scoring goals—she’s changing the game, one contract at a time.
