IS SAM KERR ONE OF THE HIGHEST-PAID FEMALE ATHLETES?

Is Sam Kerr One of the Highest-Paid Female Athletes?

Is Sam Kerr One of the Highest-Paid Female Athletes?

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Introduction

Sam Kerr has become a global name in sports, known for her blazing pace, unmatched goal-scoring ability, and iconic backflip celebrations. But she’s not just making waves on the field—she’s also earning headlines off it. As women’s football grows in popularity, fans and analysts alike are starting to ask big questions about money. One of the most searched?
Is Sam Kerr One of the Highest-Paid Female Athletes?

If you’ve ever wondered how much Sam Kerr really makes, this is the place to find out. In 2025, the Sam Kerr salary is a hot topic in the world of women’s sports. Her income from club football, international play, sponsorships, and media appearances makes her one of the most financially successful athletes in her field.

Sam Kerr: A Quick Background

Born in Perth, Australia, Sam Kerr has steadily risen to international fame. She began her professional career at just 15 and has since played in the Australian W-League, the U.S. NWSL, and now shines as the star striker for Chelsea FC Women in the English Women’s Super League (WSL). She’s also the captain of the Australian national team, the Matildas, and a four-time Golden Boot winner across multiple continents.

Kerr is not just a standout on the field—she’s a cultural force, representing what’s possible for women in sport. Now let’s talk numbers.

What Does Sam Kerr Earn in 2025?

Club Salary: Chelsea FC Women

As of 2025, Sam Kerr earns approximately £450,000 annually with Chelsea FC, translating to about $570,000 USD. This figure includes her base salary and bonuses for appearances, goals, and team success.

While this places her among the highest-paid players in the WSL, it’s still modest compared to the astronomical salaries in men’s football. For context, top male players at Chelsea earn more than $10 million per year, highlighting the gender pay gap still present in the sport.

International Income: The Matildas

Thanks to an equal pay agreement reached in 2019, the Australian national teams (men’s and women’s) now share revenue equally. As captain of the Matildas, Kerr benefits from:

  • Match fees (up to $2,000 AUD per game)

  • Tournament bonuses (for World Cup, Olympics, etc.)

  • A cut of national team sponsorship revenue

Her international income is estimated between $100,000 and $200,000 USD annually.

Endorsements: Where the Real Money Is

Endorsements are a major part of Sam Kerr’s income. In 2025, she is aligned with some of the biggest global brands:

  • Nike – A longstanding deal, including personalized gear and campaign appearances.

  • EA Sports – Featured on the global cover of FIFA 23, continuing into FIFA FC.

  • Visa, Powerade, Coca-Cola – All using Kerr’s global image in high-profile ads.

Her endorsements generate an estimated $1 to $2 million per year, with opportunities to expand as women’s sports become more mainstream.

Social Media Influence

Kerr’s strong presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (with millions of followers) adds another revenue stream. She earns:

  • Around $10,000–$20,000 per sponsored post

  • Additional value from brand activations, athlete campaigns, and speaking events

Total Annual Earnings Estimate (2025)

Income Source Estimated Amount (USD)
Chelsea FC Salary $570,000
National Team Earnings $100,000 – $200,000
Endorsements $1,000,000 – $2,000,000
Social Media & Other $100,000+
Total $1.8 – $2.9 million/year

Her estimated net worth in 2025 is between $6 million and $8 million.

How Does That Compare to Other Female Athletes?

Now that we have a clearer picture of Sam Kerr’s income, let’s stack it up against other elite female athletes. While she’s at the top of her sport, how does her paycheck match up with stars in tennis, basketball, and beyond?

1. Naomi Osaka (Tennis)

  • Estimated 2025 earnings: $12–15 million

  • Endorsements from Nike, Louis Vuitton, and others contribute the majority.

2. Simone Biles (Gymnastics)

  • Estimated 2025 earnings: $10 million+

  • Most of it comes from sponsorships with Athleta, Visa, and more.

3. Iga Świątek (Tennis)

  • Estimated 2025 earnings: $8–10 million

  • The Polish tennis star has surged in popularity and endorsement value.

4. Alex Morgan (Soccer)

  • Estimated 2025 earnings: $2.5 – $3.5 million

  • A fellow football star with similar brand visibility to Kerr.

5. Serena Williams (Retired from tennis)

  • Still earns an estimated $20 million/year through investments, fashion, and sponsorships.

6. A’ja Wilson (WNBA Basketball)

  • Estimated 2025 salary: ~$250,000

  • With endorsements included: ~$500,000 – $1 million annually

Sam Kerr vs. The Field

In comparison, Sam Kerr’s salary places her firmly in the top tier of female footballers, and within the top 15 highest-paid female athletes globally. However, sports like tennis and gymnastics still dominate the top-earning list due to longer endorsement histories, private sponsorship structures, and higher global visibility.

While Sam Kerr’s earnings are impressive, they highlight the continued challenges in football and team sports:

  • Lower league salaries than solo sports

  • Unequal media exposure

  • Limited licensing and merchandising rights

Still, Kerr’s rise is proof that the landscape is changing.

What Makes Sam Kerr’s Case Unique?

Sam Kerr is more than just a high earner—she represents a shifting tide. Here’s why:

  • She’s the first Australian woman to command such high international football income.

  • Her global appeal spans continents and cultures.

  • She’s at the center of brand campaigns, not just a part of them.

  • She’s a vocal advocate for equal pay and women’s rights in sport.

Kerr is breaking both financial and cultural ceilings—her salary isn’t just a number, it’s a statement.

Future Outlook: Will She Earn More?

Yes, almost certainly.

With the growth of:

  • Women’s Champions League media deals

  • Expanded FIFA prize money pools

  • Increased brand investment in women’s sports

…it’s likely that Sam Kerr’s income will surpass $3 million annually in the next couple of years—if not sooner. Plus, retirement in women’s football often leads to media careers, coaching, or brand ambassadorships, giving her additional financial longevity.

Conclusion

So, Is Sam Kerr One of the Highest-Paid Female Athletes?
The answer is: Yes—she’s up there with the best of them.

While she doesn’t yet earn as much as global tennis icons or retired legends like Serena Williams, her income is massive for women’s football—and growing every year. More importantly, she’s setting the pace for the next generation of female athletes.

From Chelsea pitch battles to global advertising campaigns, Sam Kerr proves that talent and timing can break every ceiling. Her salary isn't just a paycheck—it's a symbol of how far women’s sports have come, and where they’re headed next.

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