Introduction
Sam Kerr has become a global icon in women’s football. Whether she’s scoring for Chelsea FC or leading the Matildas to international glory, her name is synonymous with world-class talent, hustle, and headline-worthy moments.
But how does her paycheck stack up against her peers? The rise of women’s football has brought more attention—not only to performance—but also to paychecks. Fans are more curious than ever to know How Sam Kerr Salary Compares to Other Top Female Footballers.
In this article, we dive into how Kerr’s earnings compare to other elite players like Alex Morgan, Ada Hegerberg, Megan Rapinoe, and Alexia Putellas. We’ll break down club salaries, endorsement deals, and total net worth to see where Sam Kerr really stands.
A Quick Snapshot of Sam Kerr’s Career
Before we compare salaries, let’s take a moment to appreciate Kerr’s journey.
- Nationality: Australian
- Current Club: Chelsea FC Women (England)
- National Team: Australia (Matildas captain)
- Achievements: Multiple Golden Boots, FIFA World Cup star, record goal scorer for Australia
Kerr has proven herself across three major continents—Australia, the U.S., and Europe—and has remained at the top of her game through it all.
What Does Sam Kerr Earn?
Sam Kerr is considered one of the highest-paid female footballers in the world. Here’s a breakdown of her estimated annual earnings:
1. Club Salary: Chelsea FC
Kerr earns an estimated £400,000 to £500,000 per year, which translates to about $600,000–$650,000 USD.
Chelsea is known for being one of the best-funded women’s clubs in the world, and Kerr is one of their highest earners. This salary includes performance bonuses and incentives.
2. National Team: The Matildas
Australia made headlines when they agreed to pay their men’s and women’s national teams equally in base salary. Kerr reportedly earns around $100,000 USD per year from her national team commitments, excluding tournament bonuses.
3. Endorsements and Sponsorships
Kerr’s real earning power comes from off-field deals. She’s landed major endorsements with:
- Nike
- EA Sports (FIFA 23 cover star)
- Powerade
- CommBank
- Qantas
- Optus
These endorsements are estimated to earn her $1 million to $1.5 million USD annually.
4. Total Annual Income
Estimated total: $2 million to $2.3 million USD per year
Comparing Sam Kerr’s Salary to Other Top Female Footballers
Let’s compare Sam Kerr’s income with that of some of her biggest rivals and contemporaries in the world of women’s soccer.
1. Alex Morgan (USA)
- Club: San Diego Wave (NWSL)
- National Team: United States
- Club Salary: ~$450,000 USD
- Endorsements: Nike, Coca-Cola, Google, AT&T
- Estimated Annual Income: $2.5 million to $3 million USD
- Net Worth: ~$5 million USD
Verdict: Alex Morgan edges out Kerr slightly in total income thanks to more lucrative U.S.-based sponsorships, but on the pitch, they’re evenly matched in reputation and influence.
2. Megan Rapinoe (USA)
- Club: OL Reign (retired in 2023)
- Endorsements: Nike, Samsung, Victoria’s Secret, HBO
- Estimated Annual Income (at peak): $3 million to $4 million USD
- Net Worth: ~$6 million USD
Verdict: Rapinoe, due to her outspoken activism and global profile, commanded higher endorsement fees—especially after the 2019 World Cup. Kerr, however, has a longer career runway ahead.
3. Ada Hegerberg (Norway)
- Club: Olympique Lyonnais (France)
- Club Salary: ~$425,000 USD
- Endorsements: Nike, Hublot
- Estimated Annual Income: $600,000 to $1 million USD
- Net Worth: ~$1.5 million USD
Verdict: Despite winning the first-ever Ballon d’Or Féminin, Hegerberg’s earnings are lower than Kerr’s, largely due to Lyon’s less commercial European market and fewer global endorsements.
4. Alexia Putellas (Spain)
- Club: FC Barcelona Femení
- Achievements: Two-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Club Salary: ~$300,000 to $350,000 USD
- Endorsements: Nike, Cupra, Visa
- Estimated Annual Income: $1 million to $1.2 million USD
- Net Worth: ~$2 million USD
Verdict: As a recent star, Putellas is rapidly catching up. But for now, Kerr’s global exposure and English-speaking market access give her a financial edge.
5. Christine Sinclair (Canada)
- Club: Portland Thorns FC
- Club Salary: ~$400,000 USD
- Endorsements: Nike, Coca-Cola
- Estimated Annual Income: $500,000 to $750,000 USD
- Net Worth: ~$1 million USD
Verdict: Sinclair is a legend, but hasn’t monetized her brand to the extent Kerr has. Kerr clearly comes out ahead financially.
What Sets Sam Kerr Apart?
Here’s why Sam Kerr is pulling ahead in the financial game:
- Multinational Reach: She’s played in Australia, the U.S., and now England, expanding her market visibility.
- Media-Friendly Personality: Kerr is confident, authentic, and loved by fans, which appeals to brands.
- On-Field Performance: She consistently scores goals and leads her team—success that boosts her value.
- Diversity of Endorsements: From sportswear to beverages to telecoms, she’s diversified her income streams.
- First Female FIFA Global Cover Star: That visibility skyrocketed her global brand.
The Bigger Picture: Gender Pay Gap Still Exists
Even though Sam Kerr is among the highest-paid female footballers, her income still pales in comparison to even mid-tier male players.
For example:
- A Premier League male player might earn $5 million to $15 million USD annually just from salary.
- Endorsements for male players can easily reach $10 million or more.
Still, women’s football is heading in the right direction, and players like Kerr are helping shift the narrative. Higher viewership, better broadcast deals, and fan engagement are bringing more investment into the sport.
Conclusion
So, how does Sam Kerr’s salary compare to other top female footballers? She’s right at the top.
While a few stars like Alex Morgan or Megan Rapinoe may slightly out-earn her in endorsements, Kerr’s total annual income places her among the top five highest-paid female footballers in the world. Her club salary at Chelsea, equal pay with the Matildas, and massive global endorsement portfolio make her a true leader not just on the pitch, but at the bank too.
As women’s football grows, expect to see Kerr’s earnings climb even higher. She’s already a role model, a pioneer, and an elite athlete. Now, she’s also becoming a powerhouse in the business of sport.
