Sam Kerr has become an undeniable soccer superstar over the years. She established herself as one of the greatest NWSL players from 2013 to 2019, earning the Golden Boot three times, winning MVP twice, and becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer for several years. In late 2019, Kerr joined Chelsea FC, bringing her talents across the pond. Unfortunately, after countless accomplishments in England, Kerr suffered an ACL tear at a training camp in January 2024. This caused her to miss almost two seasons of play.

How ACL Injuries Affect the Body and the Mind

For many of us, an ACL injury can change the trajectory of a career. Beyond rebuilding strength, we must also regain confidence in our bodies. Every sprint, cut, and tackle requires trust that the repaired knee can withstand all these demands. VIS Expert Justine Jones describes the mental recovery as just as important as the physical rehabilitation, with many athletes needing time to overcome the fear of reinjury before feeling like themselves again.

“There is no set timeline and each injury is unique to you,” Jones says in another VIS article, “The Right Mindset for Comeback Season”.

“I always had a desire to come back to the NWSL. I’ve loved my time here, I had so much fun here. Played some good football here, so I think I always had a desire to come back.”

Sam Kerr

Making a Comeback and Leaving an Impact

Nearly two years away from competitive soccer is enough time for questions and doubts to arise–not only from fans but the athletes themselves. Yet Kerr’s return has shown that her time away has not diminished her ability to be one of the world’s best forwards. Instead, she looks composed, confident, and ready to make a bigger impact.

“I always had a desire to come back to the NWSL,” Kerr told reporter Grace McCarron from the New York Post after signing. “I’ve loved my time here, I had so much fun here. Played some good football here, so I think I always had a desire to come back, and then with all the change at Chelsea and me wanting something new, I think it was really the only league that I saw myself in.”

On Wednesday July 15th, Kerr made her return not only to soccer, but also to the NWSL after playing for a while overseas. She played her first game back in the states with Gotham FC against Washington Spirit. Saturday, July 18, she finished her second against Seattle Reign.

Gotham FC vs Seattle Reign FC

It is truly inspiring to see Kerr come back with such determination and passion for the game after suffering her injury two years ago. Her comeback serves as a reminder that setbacks do not define a career—they reflect perseverance. 

On Wednesday, Kerr reflected on her first performance back in live game play.

“It was a bit weird to be honest,” Kerr told ESPN reporter Jeff Kassouf on Wednesday, “Obviously exciting and fun in front of a big crowd, but it was a bit weird to be back, I can’t lie.”

When relating this game to games before her recovery, she says, “It’s still as crazy as it was back then…it’s go go go.”

3 Lessons We Can Learn from Sam Kerr’s Return

1. Progress happens one step at a time.

Kerr's return hasn't been about instantly getting back to her best—it's been about building momentum. In Gotham FC's 1–0 win over Washington, she helped lead the attack, and just days later she took another step forward in a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Seattle Reign FC. Kerr recorded an assist, stayed heavily involved in the attack, and showed flashes of the movement, work rate, and confidence that made her one of the world's top strikers. Every appearance and every extra minute on the field represents meaningful progress.

2. Trust the rehabilitation process.

The past two years have tested Kerr with rehabilitation, patience, and uncertainty. Returning from an ACL injury takes time, and her gradual increase in playing time shows the importance of respecting the recovery process rather than rushing back. Her comeback is a reminder that long-term success is built through consistency, persistence, and trusting each stage of rehabilitation.

3. One injury doesn't define your story.

Kerr's return to the NWSL proves that setbacks don't define an athlete's future. Her journey shows that recovering from an ACL injury requires patience, perseverance, and trust in the rehabilitation process. Every step forward is progress, and with resilience, it's possible to come back stronger and keep chasing your goals.