Gotham FC, Esther González Mutually Terminate Contract for Leading Scorer

Defending NWSL champions Gotham FC announced the departure of Esther González, who leaves as the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 30 regular-season goals.

Defending NWSL champions Gotham FC announced on Monday, July 27, 2026, that the club and forward Esther González have mutually agreed to terminate her contract. The 33-year-old Spaniard departs as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 30 regular-season goals and six goals during the current campaign. This decision comes just nine days after González recorded a late brace to secure a 3-2 victory for Gotham after the team trailed 2-0 in the 80th minute.

González was absent from the lineup during Friday’s 2-2 draw against the Portland Thorns, a match the team listed as an excused absence. Her departure follows a highly decorated three-year tenure in New Jersey where she secured four major trophies. A 2025 NWSL MVP finalist, González was instrumental in the club’s first NWSL Championship in 2023, scoring the winning goal in the final shortly after winning the 2023 World Cup with Spain.

Impact on Gotham FC Roster and Performance

The departure of the veteran forward occurs as Gotham FC navigates several significant roster shifts. The club recently acquired forward Sam Kerr via free transfer in July on a long-term deal to fill a similar profile in the attacking third. Additionally, the team is awaiting a diagnosis for defender Emily Sonnett, who suffered a non-contact left knee injury in the opening moments of the recent match in Portland.

González’s statistical contributions include a 13-goal regular season last year, which helped the club secure a second consecutive championship. She also played a pivotal role in Gotham winning the inaugural Concacaf W Championship in 2025. That victory ensured the team’s qualification for the first FIFA Women's Club World Cup, scheduled for 2028.

Personal Matters and Leadership in Spain

According to the club's official statement, González is temporarily stepping away from professional soccer to attend to personal matters in her home country. The forward and her partner welcomed their first child in January, while Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós is currently on a five-week paternity leave following the birth of his second child in May.

Gotham president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West described González as a "model professional" and a respected leader. The striker expressed gratitude for the environment in New Jersey, noting that her family grew during her time with the club. She stated that the journey surpassed every expectation and that she achieved everything possible with the organization.

Legacy of the Spanish Forward

During her three years with the club, González established herself as a central figure in the most successful era of Gotham FC history. Beyond her 30 regular-season tallies, her leadership helped transform the team into a perennial contender. Averbuch West noted that the club will continue to support the forward as she returns home to Spain.

The abrupt nature of the contract termination marks the end of a stint defined by "world-class moments of brilliance," as described by team leadership. González emphasized that she leaves with incredible memories and a sense of growth as a player and person. The club now moves forward without its top scorer as they continue their title defense in the NWSL.