How Much Does Sam Kerr Earn?

4 min.

Sam Kerr is a household name in women’s football, renowned for her goal-scoring prowess and charismatic personality. As the captain of the Australian national team, the Matildas, and a star player for Chelsea FC Women, Kerr’s achievements have catapulted her into the spotlight. But how much does Sam Kerr earn, and what makes her one of the highest-paid athletes in women’s football? This article delves into her salary, endorsements, and overall earnings.

Sam Kerr’s Earnings: An Overview

Sam Kerr’s income is derived from three primary sources:

Club Salary: Her contract with Chelsea FC Women in the English Women’s Super League (WSL).
National Team Earnings: Payments for representing the Matildas.
Endorsements and Sponsorships: Lucrative deals with global brands.

Estimated Annual Earnings

Club Salary: Kerr reportedly earns £400,000 to £500,000 annually at Chelsea, making her one of the highest-paid players in the WSL.
National Team Earnings: Representing Australia adds approximately AUD 70,000 to AUD 100,000 annually, including match fees and bonuses.
Endorsements: Kerr’s endorsement deals significantly boost her income, with estimates exceeding AUD 1 million per year.

Her total annual earnings are estimated to be around AUD 2–3 million, combining salary and endorsements.

Club Salary: Chelsea FC Women

Sam Kerr joined Chelsea FC Women in 2019, signing a lucrative deal to play in the Women’s Super League. The club is known for investing heavily in women’s football, attracting top talent worldwide.

Key Highlights of Her Contract:

Base Salary: Kerr’s base salary at Chelsea is among the highest in women’s football. Reports suggest she earns £8,000 to £10,000 per week.
Performance Bonuses: Kerr likely receives additional payments for goals, assists, and team success, such as winning the WSL or Champions League.

Chelsea’s investment in Kerr reflects her importance as both a player and a global ambassador for the club.

National Team Earnings: Representing the Matildas

As captain of the Matildas, Kerr is compensated for her appearances and performances in international tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Equal Pay for the Matildas

In 2019, Football Australia introduced equal pay for the Matildas and the Socceroos, ensuring:

Equal match fees for men’s and women’s national teams.
A share of prize money from international tournaments.

While the total earnings are influenced by prize money, this landmark decision highlights Kerr’s role as a trailblazer in promoting gender equality in sports.

Endorsements: The Real Game-Changer

Sam Kerr’s charisma and global appeal have attracted major brands, making endorsements a significant part of her income. Her sponsorship deals include partnerships with:

Nike: Kerr has a long-standing relationship with Nike, often featuring in global campaigns.
EA Sports: She became the first female player to appear on the global cover of FIFA 23, alongside Kylian Mbappé.
Visa: As a global ambassador for Visa, Kerr is part of campaigns promoting women’s football worldwide.
Cadbury: She represents the brand in initiatives supporting women in sports.

Estimated Endorsement Income

Kerr’s endorsement deals reportedly earn her over AUD 1 million annually, showcasing her marketability beyond the pitch.

Comparisons with Other Players

Women’s Football

Kerr’s earnings place her among the highest-paid players in women’s football, alongside:

Alex Morgan (USA): Estimated annual earnings of USD 5 million, including endorsements.
Megan Rapinoe (USA): Known for her advocacy and sponsorship deals, earning around USD 4 million annually.

Men’s Football

While women’s football salaries still lag behind the men’s game, Kerr’s income highlights progress. For context:

The average Premier League player earns £50,000 per week, significantly more than the top earners in women’s football.

Challenges and Progress in Women’s Football Salaries

Growing Investment

The increased visibility of women’s football, fueled by tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, has led to higher wages and sponsorships.

The Pay Gap

Despite progress, the disparity between men’s and women’s football salaries remains vast. Players like Kerr are at the forefront of advocating for better pay and resources.

Sam Kerr’s Impact Beyond Football

Inspiring the Next Generation

Kerr’s success is not just measured in goals or earnings but in her ability to inspire young players worldwide. Her journey from playing in Perth to becoming a global superstar exemplifies hard work and perseverance.

Advocacy for Women in Sports

Kerr actively supports initiatives promoting gender equality, using her platform to address issues like pay parity and representation.

External High Authority Links

For further reading on women’s football salaries and Sam Kerr’s career, explore these trusted sources:

Learn more about Sam Kerr’s achievements on the Chelsea FC Official Website.
Discover the Matildas’ journey and equal pay initiatives at Football Australia.
Stay updated on women’s football news via BBC Sport.

Call-to-Action: Support Women’s Football

Sam Kerr’s success is a testament to the growth of women’s football and the importance of equitable opportunities. Want to support this movement? Here’s how:

Attend Matches: Whether it’s the Matildas or your local team, your support makes a difference.
Share This Article: Spread the word about Sam Kerr’s achievements and inspire others to follow her journey.
Engage on Social Media: Follow players and teams to stay informed and contribute to the conversation.

What do you think about Sam Kerr’s earnings and the progress in women’s football? Share your thoughts in the comments below!