Esther González abruptly ends Gotham FC stint to attend to personal matter

Gotham FC star Esther González has agreed to a mutual contract termination, abruptly departing the NWSL club midseason to attend to a personal matter in Spain.

>The club said in a release on Monday, July 27 that the international forward would "temporarily step away from soccer" as she returned to her home country.

>González, 33, departs Gotham as the club's all-time leading scorer, a two-time NWSL Best XI performer, a 2025 NWSL MVP finalist and a two-time NWSL champion.

>“We wish Esther and her family all the best as they return home to Spain,” said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC.

>“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. We will always support Esther wherever her path leads.”

>González was an excused absence for Gotham's most recent game, a 2-2 draw at the Portland Thorns on Friday, July 24. She has scored six goals in 15 appearances this season for the defending champions, who are currently second overall in the league table.

>The striker joined Gotham FC in the summer of 2023, making an immediate impact and helping Gotham win the NWSL championship that season.

>Gotham earned its second title in 2025 as González scored 13 times in the regular season.

>"Gotham FC will always hold a very special place in my heart,” González said in a statement in the release. “From the moment I arrived, I felt something unique about this club — the people, the environment, the way everyone works together every single day. I am grateful for each and every moment shared with my teammates, the coaches and every single member of this club.

>“This journey has surpassed every expectation I had when I first came to Gotham. Together we achieved everything there is to achieve, and I will forever be proud to say that with this club, I won it all. But beyond the trophies, Gotham is the place where I grew in so many ways — as a player, as a professional and, most importantly, as a person. And it is here, in New Jersey, where my family grew, too.

>“I carry so many incredible memories with me, but I know that every time I think of this club, I will do so with a smile on my face. Thank you, Gotham, for everything.”

>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Esther González abruptly ends Gotham FC stint to attend to personal matter