Gotham FC Star Esther González Leaves to Return Home

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Gotham FC and striker Esther González have mutually agreed to terminate her contract so she can return to Spain for personal reasons. González’s departure leaves Gotham reliant on Sam Kerr as they aim to maintain their strong position in the NWSL ahead of the upcoming season.

Gotham FC and forward Esther González have mutually agreed to terminate her contract, the club announced Monday, as the striker returns to Spain to address personal matters. González, 33, had been under contract through the 2027 NWSL season but will now temporarily step away from professional soccer to be with her family.

González, who joined Gotham late in the 2023 season, quickly established herself as a key player and the club’s all-time leading scorer with 33 goals across all NWSL competitions. She played a pivotal role in Gotham’s rise, helping secure the team’s first NWSL championship by netting the game-winning goal in the final. Her contributions continued as Gotham won a second NWSL title last season, with González finishing as an MVP finalist after scoring 13 regular-season goals, placing second in the Golden Boot race. In addition to league titles, she helped Gotham claim a Concacaf W Champions Cup and an NWSL Challenge Cup during her three years with the club.

“Together we achieved everything there is to achieve, and I will forever be proud to say that with this club, I won it all,” González said in a statement reflecting on her time with Gotham.

Her recent form remained strong, with four goals in her last three games this season, propelling Gotham to second place in the NWSL standings. Her departure places greater emphasis on striker Sam Kerr, who recently rejoined Gotham and occupies the same position. Kerr started and scored in Friday’s 2-2 draw against Portland, a match overshadowed by Emily Sonnett’s apparent knee injury.

Yael Averbuch West, president of soccer operations for Gotham FC, praised González’s professionalism and leadership. “Esther has been a model professional on and off the field, helping us win four major trophies and serving as a respected leader in our team. We thank her for three great years full of world-class moments of brilliance,” Averbuch West said.

In addition to her club career, González remains an important figure in the Spanish national team, which is considered one of the favorites alongside the United States for next summer’s World Cup.

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