Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis Announce Pregnancy Amid Controversy

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr and West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis have announced that they are expecting a child next year. The couple, who have been together since 2021 and got engaged last year, revealed the news through a heartfelt Instagram post. In the post, which featured a collage of black-and-white photos, the pair displayed an image of an ultrasound scan along with the caption «Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!» It was confirmed that Mewis is carrying the baby.

Mewis, a 33-year-old footballer for West Ham and capped 53 times by the USA, joined the London club after moving from NJ/NY Gotham FC in December 2023. She has faced her share of challenges with injuries and illnesses, which have limited her appearances for the team. Speculation about her potential retirement was rife among fans before the pregnancy announcement.

Sam Kerr, who is 31 and Australia‘s all-time top scorer with 69 goals, has been a stellar figure in women’s soccer. She has achieved remarkable success at Chelsea, winning five consecutive Women’s Super League titles, among other accolades. However, Kerr has been out of play since suffering a knee ligament injury in January 2024 during a preseason camp in Morocco. In June, she signed a contract extension with Chelsea that runs until 2026.

Despite the joyous personal news, the announcement was marred by «hateful comments» on social media. Chelsea Pride, an LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, issued a statement condemning such remarks, emphasizing that «homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society.» The group expressed their commitment to creating an inclusive environment within the sport, stating, «We fight for a football world where every player, fan, and family can live openly and be celebrated without fear or prejudice.»

The announcement by Kerr and Mewis received considerable support and well-wishes from across the football community, highlighting a division between supportive fans and those indulging in homophobic comments. Chelsea was «forced to shut down comments and even delete posts» due to the negative backlash, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in sport.