Kerr Confirmed: Sam Kerr Reinstated as Matildas Captain for New Zealand Series

Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro wasted no time in settling the team’s most debated topic, confirming that superstar striker Sam Kerr will retain the captain’s armband for the upcoming international window against New Zealand.

Kerr’s return to the leadership position has been heavily scrutinized in recent months, following her ACL injury in January and a high-profile London court case in February, where she was found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment. Steph Catley admirably filled the void during Kerr’s absence.

Montemurro confirmed Kerr’s reinstatement, which began during the previous international window against England and Wales, will continue when the Matildas face the Football Ferns on home soil on November 28, 2025. This will mark Kerr’s first game in Australia in over two years.

Responding to the inevitable question, which Montemurro joked took less than two minutes, the coach provided a strong defense of Kerr’s unique leadership style.

“She’s not the most vocal leader… but she’s a leader. That’s just her presence,” Montemurro said. “Her selflessness is unbelievable. The little things she does at training, even just collecting the balls and picking up the cones. They are special qualities as a leader.”

Montemurro underscored that the captaincy was purely a “football decision,” indicating that the off-field scrutiny did not impact his choice to put the armband back on the nation’s star striker.

The coach also provided an update on Kerr’s physical status, noting that while she is playing and scoring goals for Chelsea, her minutes are still being strategically managed following her major knee injury.

The Matildas face New Zealand in a two-match series kicking off in Gosford on Friday, November 28, 2025.