New York is once again in love with West Australian soccer superstar Sam Kerr, the striking phenomenon’s return to America prompting record-breaking scenes in the Big Apple.

After a remarkable stint at Chelsea in England, where she won five titles and multiple Golden Boot awards, Kerr confirmed she was returning to the United States earlier this year after sealing a deal to come back to Gotham FC.

And just being named on the team sheet created an outpouring of love as the biggest-ever crowd for a women’s sporting event in New York City, 42,175, packed into the stands at Flushing Meadows’ City Field.

The scenes became even more jubilant as Kerr finally subbed into the action in the second half after starting from the bench.

The 32-year-old, who has battled back from a devastating ACL injury that kept her out of the game from January 2024 until late 2025, was given a standing ovation, including from her wife, Kristie Mewis, watching on in the stands.

The crowd figure is also the second-biggest in league history, not even the haze of smoke wafting over the ground from Ontario’s wildfires deterring the avid supporters.

While she wasn’t able to nab a goal, she did force a save with her very first touch of the ball, and her return ended in triumph, Gotham holding onto a 1-0 win over second-place Washington Spirit.

The star’s previous stint at the club came between 2015 and 2017, when the team were known as Sky Blue FC, during which she became, and remains, the team’s all-time top goal-scorer, having found the back of the net 28 times in 40 appearances.

Upon signing the deal to rejoin Gotham FC until 2030, Kerr said it was “special” to return to a place that was such an integral part of her journey to becoming one of the game’s best players.

“I’m incredibly excited to return to Gotham FC and to this city,” she said.

“This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special.

“The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team compete for trophies and create more history.”

Gotham sits fourth on the league table after 14 games, just one point off league leaders San Diego, but they also have a game in hand.

Kerr had to wait until the transfer window opened on July 14 before she was able to play.