Sam Kerr’s chance to cement her place as the GOAT as Chelsea eye European treble ahead of World Cup

History beckons for Matildas champion Sam Kerr with an opportunity to secure an historic treble along with the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy she is burning to secure for her home country. 

The Australian and Chelsea striker has the chance to prove that she is the best player in the world before the Women’s World Cup begins in July, putting an end to the doubters and controversial snubbings at major award nights. 

Kerr has repeatedly said that number one on her bucket list is the Women’s World Cup, and daylight is second. 

‘I just want to win a major tournament with the national team,’ she says in the new Disney+ documentary on the Matildas.

‘It’s the only thing missing in my life right now.’ 

She is hoping to celebrate with teammates just like this, only with the World Cup hoisted high above their heads

But before she lines up in the green and gold on home soil for the 2023 showpiece event, Kerr has a rare chance at claiming a first-ever European treble with Chelsea.

Despite being hailed as the world’s leading women’s player by many, the judges of the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Women’s Player award have consistently overlooked Kerr during her seasons of domestic dominance.

Instead they have favoured players who have won major club titles like the Champions League, or international tournaments like the World Cup. 

However, Kerr has the opportunity to end this debate over the next three months, as Chelsea aims for a clean sweep of trophies and the Matildas seek the ultimate glory on home soil.

Chelsea is alive in all three major competitions: they sit within striking distance of the FA Women’s Super League title, are in the FA Cup final against Manchester United, and meet Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. 

Kerr will spearhead Chelsea’s bid for a first-ever European treble before Australia’s World Cup campaign begins.

Kerr’s importance to Chelsea has intensified due to injuries to Pernille Harder and Fran Kirby, which has forced her to take on even more attacking responsibility for much of this season. 

While her goal scoring rate has slowed, with just eight from 14 WSL matches, she has often found the back of the net at pivotal moments for the team.

On Saturday night, Chelsea’s women will play a rare match at Stamford Bridge for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

That match could see Kerr go toe-to-toe with reigning Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is in line to make her long-awaited comeback from an ACL injury. 

Chelsea didn’t make it out of the group stage last season, and haven’t faced Barça since losing 4-0 to them in the 2021 final.

Kerr has a golden opportunity to secure the European treble with Chelsea ahead of the World Cup, meaning 2023 is her year to prove she is the greatest of all time

Injuries have made Kerr the focal point of Chelsea’s attack this season which means if they succeed, it will be off her boot

With six matches to go, the Blues sit in second place on the ladder – four points behind leaders Manchester United, but with two games in hand, which means they are in control of their own destiny. 

Arsenal are second, two points back, and face Chelsea in what could be a season-defining North London derby on May 21.

There is also the FA Cup final on May 14 and a return to Wembley Stadium, where Kerr scored a brace in the corresponding match last year to guide Chelsea to a 3-2 win over Manchester City and complete a domestic double. 

This time, it’s the red half of Manchester that stands in her way, as United aim for their first piece of top-level silverware since reviving their women’s program in 2018.

Trebles are usually rare in football, but five of the past seven teams to have won the women’s Champions League have also taken out their domestic cups and leagues. 

This is an exclusive club Chelsea is desperate to join to prove they belong among Europe’s elite, and Kerr will be central to that mission.