Matildas captain Sam Kerr has revealed that embracing motherhood has given her a completely new outlook on life and her professional football career.
A New Perspective Off the Pitch
The Chelsea superstar, who welcomed son Jagger with partner Kristie Mewis six months ago, explained that while her passion for football remains undiminished, her home life has undergone a significant transformation.
'I don't think it's changed my perspective on football,' Kerr stated during an interview with CBA Newsroom. 'I still love the game and I'm all in when I'm there. But it has changed my home life.'
The Australian striker revealed she no longer spends her time away from the pitch analysing her performance, noting: 'When I come home, I'm not watching clips of myself anymore. I have better separation now, and it's been healthy.'
Balancing Motherhood and Football
Kerr, who shares her London home with former West Ham and US Women's National Team midfielder Mewis, described the joys of parenting as exceeding expectations.
'I don't stew over games,' the 30-year-old added. 'I come home, take care of him, and it gives me a new perspective. It's been so much fun, more fun than people prepare you for.'
The couple, who are planning to marry in December, regularly share updates about their journey as new parents on social media, with Kerr particularly enjoying her son's current developmental stage.
'I think he's just at a cool stage now where when I come home, he's so excited to see me. It's just a nice feeling,' she shared during the We Are Chelsea podcast in September.
International Return and Asian Cup Dreams
Kerr's reflections on motherhood come as she prepares for her first international match on Australian soil in two years, having recently recovered from an ACL injury that sidelined her in January 2024.
The Matildas skipper is set to make her 131st appearance for Australia against New Zealand on Friday night, marking a triumphant return after scoring on her comeback for Chelsea against Aston Villa in mid-September.
'Being back in Australia is amazing, being back with the girls,' Kerr expressed. 'There's a different buzz around the team when we're back in Oz compared to overseas, so I'm feeling really excited and just trying to enjoy every moment.'
These matches represent the final preparation games before next year's Asian Cup, which Australia will host, beginning in Perth. The Matildas face Philippines, Iran and Korea Republic in the group stages.
Kerr, who won the Asian Cup in 2010 at just 16 years old, dreams of recreating that success for home supporters. 'That would be a dream come true,' she said. 'When we won in 2010, I thought it would happen every time we played the Asian Cup - but we haven't done it since.'
Reflecting on the potential victory, she added: 'This would be a full-circle moment. It shows how important this tournament is, not only to me, but to the whole group. It would be massive for us, for the fans, and for everyone involved.'
As for baby Jagger's future, Kerr joked that she hopes he pursues a different career path, saying: 'I hope he gets into being a scientist or a surgeon - makes heaps of money.' However, should he follow his parents into football, Kerr believes he'd likely represent Australia, though she insists the decision will be his alone.
