A Mutual Departure
Esther González and Gotham FC announced on Tuesday that they have mutually terminated the defender’s contract, allowing the Spanish forward to turn her attention to personal matters in her home country.
The 28‑year‑old had been a cornerstone of the National Women’s Soccer League side since arriving in August 2023, quickly establishing herself as the team’s leading scorer and helping the club capture two NWSL championships and a CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup.
Her impact extended beyond club success; González was a key member of Spain’s runner‑up squad at the 2025 Women’s European Championship and had previously lifted the 2023 Women’s World Cup with the national team, adding a World Cup winners’ medal to her résumé. She also previously played for Real Madrid, scoring 30 goals in 54 appearances before making the move to the United States.
Yael Averbuch West, president of soccer operations for Gotham FC, praised González for her contributions, noting that her 30 regular‑season goals since joining Gotham rank among the most prolific records in the club’s history and that her presence helped elevate the team’s profile.
Looking Ahead
The termination marks the end of a brief but glittering chapter for González in the NWSL, a league where she finished the most recent season with six goals and a team‑high 30 regular‑season goals since arriving, and where she leaves as the club’s all‑time leader in several offensive categories.
Now focusing on family and new opportunities back in Spain, González says she is eager to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and explore projects that align with her passion for the growth of women’s football in her homeland.