Sam Kerr has declared that she wants to be captain for Australia again as she prepares for her return to international football.
The Chelsea striker is poised to make her first appearance for the Matildas since November 2023 on Saturday, when Australia play Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Kerr ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in January 2024 and only returned to action for Chelsea last month.
In Kerr’s absence, Arsenal star Steph Catley took up the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband.
Ahead of Kerr’s return, there have been debates in Australia over the captaincy role.
Sam Kerr ‘passionate’ over Australia captaincy role
Speaking ahead of Australia vs Wales on Saturday, Sam Kerr said she remains ‘passionate’ about being captain for her country.
She told reporters: “On being the captain, of course, I still feel really passionate about that.
“I have so much more to give for this team in a leadership role. This team here will make football decisions, and I feel like football-wise, I’m one of the best leaders in the team.
“I feel really passionate and proud that I’ve been in that position before, and hopefully (it will) continue forward.”
Kerr during her press conference also admitted that there were ‘dark days’ during her absence from football.
The 32-year-old returned with her 100th goal for Chelsea last month, though her playing time has been limited, as Sonia Bompastor eases Kerr back into regular football.
🇦🇺 Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter both reporting for international duty. pic.twitter.com/4lDJqXOcS1
— Chelsea Women (@CFC__Women) October 20, 2025
What has Australia head coach Joe Montemurro said about Kerr?
Australia head coach Joe Montemurro has yet to make a decision on whether Sam Kerr should reclaim the captain’s armband for Australia.
In a press conference this week, he also noted that his team won’t revolve around Kerr.
He said: “We all talk about strikers and the importance of them. But look, she’s obviously impactful and really, really important.
“The way we want to play, putting reliance just on a striker and even in modern football, putting reliance on just a striker to score you all those goals is dangerous.
“So I just want Sam to come back, love her football, and it’ll take shape according to the way things will go. Because I know she’ll A) score and B) contribute, which is even more important.”
