Australia striker Sam Kerr has joined Gotham FC on a four-year deal following his departure from Chelsea.

The 32-year-old – Chelsea’s all-time top scorer in the Women’s Super League – announced her departure from the Blues in May as her contract expired.

Kerr scored 116 times in 158 games for Chelsea and scored the winner in his last home game against Manchester United.

Gotham FC is based in New Jersey and New York, and Kerr played for the club from 2015 to 2017 when they were known as Sky Blue FC.

“I’m incredibly excited to be back at Gotham FC and this city,” Kerr said.

“This club has been an important part of my journey, and to come back to this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special.”

He added: “The ambition here is clear, and I look forward to helping this team compete for trophies and make more history.”

After a spell with Chicago Red Stars, Kerr joined Chelsea in January 2020 and helped the club win five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield.

He came with superstar status and the deal to bring him in was considered the biggest WSL transfer at the time.

The forward finished level with Fran Kirby in the club’s all-competition top scorer list for the WSL era and was a key figure under former manager Emma Hayes.

Despite leaving the United States six years ago, Kerr returned as the all-time leading scorer in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Kerr won the Golden Boot three years in a row for the United States – his final tally of 18 was the highest in a season until Temwa Chawinga’s 21 in 2024.

He also holds the Australian W-League record since joining Chelsea and is still third on that list.

In 2023, Kerr finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting after scoring 29 goals in 38 appearances as the Blues achieved a WSL and FA Cup double.

Chelsea’s top-flight status was unquestioned before Kerr suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2024.

It took him more than 18 months to recover and he only returned to full fitness in the second half of the current season – after Chelsea’s title challenge failed.

During his injury recovery, Kerr married former West Ham and USA midfielder Christy Mewis and their son was born in May last year.