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Esther González abruptly ends Gotham FC stint to attend to personal matter
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- 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.
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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.
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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.
Oct. 16: Racing Louisville FC goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer (24) makes a save against Boston Legacy FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Boston Legacy won the game, 2-1.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sept. 27: Bay FC forward Karlie Lema (5) leaps to play the ball toward the Orlando Pride goal during the first half at PayPal Park. Orlando won the game, 3-1.
(Robert Edwards, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sept. 18: Kansas City Current defender Kayla Sharples (27) and San Diego Wave FC forward Trinity Byars (15) fight for a header during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 2-0.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sept. 13: Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) and Boston Legacy defender Bianca St-Georges (53) battle for control of the ball during the first half at Audi Field. Boston Legacy won the match, 3-0.
(Jamie Sabau, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 29: North Carolina Courage midfielder Erica Parkinson (19) shoots the ball as the Kansas City Current's Izzy Rodriguez (18) and Haley Hopkins (13) defend during the first half at CPKC Stadium. KC Current won the game, 3-2.
(Denny Medley, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 23: Bay FC midfielder Joelle Anderson (18) and goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz (29) collide with Houston Dash defender Cate Hardin (18) during the first half at PayPal Park.
(John Hefti, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 21: San Diego Wave FC forward Adriana Leon (9) controls the ball during the second half against Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 4-2.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 16: North Carolina Courage forward Ally Schlegel (35) celebrates an assisted goal during the second half against Houston Dash at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Houston Dash won the game, 3-2.
(Jaylynn Nash, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 9: Portland Thorns FC's Cassandra Bogere (right) tackles Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo during the second half at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I. The Portland Thorns won the match, 4-3.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 2: Boston Legacy FC's Jorelyn Carabalí (16) makes a save in front of Denver Summit FC forward Melissa Kossler (25) during the first half at Centennial Stadium.
(Ron Chenoy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug. 1: Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock (right) heads the ball against Bay FC's Abby Dahlkemper during the second half at PayPal Park. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 3-2.
(Darren Yamashita, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
July 26: Seattle Reign FC defender Phoebe McClernon (21) heads the ball under pressure from San Diego Wave FC midfielder Kimmi Ascanio (8) during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 2-0.
(Chadd Cady, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
July 25: Boston Legacy FC forward Sammy Smith (8) heads the ball against Kansas City Current defender Laney Rouse (2) during the first half at Centreville Bank Stadium. Boston Legacy FC won the game, 1-0.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
July 18: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (16) and Bay FC's Caroline Conti (23) react to a call by a referee during the second half at PayPal Park. Bay FC won the game, 3-0.
(Robert Edwards, Imagn Images)
July 12: Houston Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark (30) attempts a shot as Denver Summit FC defender Kaleigh Kurtz (3) defends during the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
July 4: North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez (2) shoots the ball past Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller (38) during the second half at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the game, 3-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
July 3: Kansas City Current midfielder Michelle Cooper (17) and Denver Summit FC defender Natalie Means (4) battle for the ball during the second half at Centennial Stadium. The KC Current won the game, 3-0.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
May 23: Houston Dash defender Leah Klenke (4) attempts to leap over Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller (17) during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The Houston Dash won the game, 2-1.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
May 15: Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji (front) competes with Boston Legacy FC defender Bianca St-Georges during the first half at PayPal Park. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
May 9: Houston Dash forward Kate Faasse (left) controls the ball against the Denver Summit FC at Shell Energy Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 4-1.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
May 9: Boston Legacy FC goalkeeper Casey Murphy (1) plays the ball against Gotham FC during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
May 3: Portland Thorns FC midfielder Cassandra Bogere (6) defends Chicago Stars FC midfielder Manaka Hayashi (16) during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Portland Thorns won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
May 2: North Caroilna Courage goalie Kailen Sheridan (1) clears the ball off a corner kick during the second half against the KC Current at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. KC Current won the game, 2-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
April 25: The Houston Dash's Colaprico (24) and North Carolina Courage's Evelyn Ijeh (10) battle for the ball during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The North Carolina Courage won the game, 1-0.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
April 25: Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo (5) defends against Chicago Stars FC's Jordyn Huitema during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Chicago Stars won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
April 24: Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena (23) drops a corner kick allowing the Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman to score a goal during the first half at Audi Field. The Washington Spirit won the game, 4-0.
(Jamie Sabau, Imagn Images)
April 5: Washington Spirit defender Tara Rudd (9) heads the ball against Bay FC during the second half at PayPal Park. The Washington Spirit won the game, 2-0.
(John Hefti, Imagn Images)
March 25: Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger makes a save on a shot by Denver Summit FC's Melissa Kossler during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 2-0.
March 25: The Washington Spirit's Esme Morgan (24) heads the ball against the Utah Royals at Audi Field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
March 22: San Diego Wave FC's Laurina Fazer (left) and the Utah Royals' Cece Delzer battle for possession during the first half at America First Field. The San Diego Wave won the game, 2-1.
(Aaron Baker, Imagn Images)
March 21: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (right) fights for the ball against Gotham FC's Esther González (9) and Jessica Carter (27) during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
March 21: Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten (12) controls the ball as Boston Legacy FC defender Jorelyn Carabalí (16) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won the game, 3-0.
March 14: North Carolina Courage fans hold yellow and red cards during second half against the Racing Louisville FC at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the match, 2-1.
(Jaylynn Nash, Imagn Images)
March 14: A Volaris airplane flies over the stadium during the Bay FC vs. Denver Summit FC game at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Bay FC won the match, 2-1, in what was the first-ever game for the Denver Summit.
(David Gonzales, Imagn Images)
March 14: Utah Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen (7) dribbles up field against the Kansas City Current during the second half at CPKC Stadium. Kansas City won the match, 2-1.
(Peter Aiken, Imagn Images)
March 14: Boston Legacy FC midfielder Alba Caño (26) and NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the game at Gillette Stadium. Gotham FC won the match - the first in Boston Legacy FC history - 1-0.
(Natalie Reid, Imagn Images)
March 13: The Washington Spirit get ready for a corner kick during the second half against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Portland won the NWSL 2026 season opener, 1-0.
(Jordyn Harris, Imagn Images)
1
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NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Oct. 16: Racing Louisville FC goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer (24) makes a save against Boston Legacy FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Boston Legacy won the game, 2-1.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Oct. 16: Racing Louisville FC goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer (24) makes a save against Boston Legacy FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Boston Legacy won the game, 2-1.
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Sept. 27: Bay FC forward Karlie Lema (5) leaps to play the ball toward the Orlando Pride goal during the first half at PayPal Park. Orlando won the game, 3-1.
(Robert Edwards, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
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NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Sept. 18: Kansas City Current defender Kayla Sharples (27) and San Diego Wave FC forward Trinity Byars (15) fight for a header during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 2-0.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Sept. 13: Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) and Boston Legacy defender Bianca St-Georges (53) battle for control of the ball during the first half at Audi Field. Boston Legacy won the match, 3-0.
(Jamie Sabau, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
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NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 29: North Carolina Courage midfielder Erica Parkinson (19) shoots the ball as the Kansas City Current's Izzy Rodriguez (18) and Haley Hopkins (13) defend during the first half at CPKC Stadium. KC Current won the game, 3-2.
(Denny Medley, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 23: Bay FC midfielder Joelle Anderson (18) and goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz (29) collide with Houston Dash defender Cate Hardin (18) during the first half at PayPal Park.
(John Hefti, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 21: San Diego Wave FC forward Adriana Leon (9) controls the ball during the second half against Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego Wave won the game, 4-2.
(Denis Poroy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 16: North Carolina Courage forward Ally Schlegel (35) celebrates an assisted goal during the second half against Houston Dash at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Houston Dash won the game, 3-2.
(Jaylynn Nash, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 9: Portland Thorns FC's Cassandra Bogere (right) tackles Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo during the second half at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I. The Portland Thorns won the match, 4-3.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 2: Boston Legacy FC's Jorelyn Carabalí (16) makes a save in front of Denver Summit FC forward Melissa Kossler (25) during the first half at Centennial Stadium.
(Ron Chenoy, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
Aug. 1: Seattle Reign FC midfielder Jess Fishlock (right) heads the ball against Bay FC's Abby Dahlkemper during the second half at PayPal Park. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 3-2.
(Darren Yamashita, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 26: Seattle Reign FC defender Phoebe McClernon (21) heads the ball under pressure from San Diego Wave FC midfielder Kimmi Ascanio (8) during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Seattle Reign FC won the game, 2-0.
(Chadd Cady, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 25: Boston Legacy FC forward Sammy Smith (8) heads the ball against Kansas City Current defender Laney Rouse (2) during the first half at Centreville Bank Stadium. Boston Legacy FC won the game, 1-0.
(Edward Finan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 18: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (16) and Bay FC's Caroline Conti (23) react to a call by a referee during the second half at PayPal Park. Bay FC won the game, 3-0.
(Robert Edwards, Imagn Images)
15
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 12: Houston Dash midfielder Linda Ullmark (30) attempts a shot as Denver Summit FC defender Kaleigh Kurtz (3) defends during the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
16
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 4: North Carolina Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez (2) shoots the ball past Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller (38) during the second half at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the game, 3-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
17
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
July 3: Kansas City Current midfielder Michelle Cooper (17) and Denver Summit FC defender Natalie Means (4) battle for the ball during the second half at Centennial Stadium. The KC Current won the game, 3-0.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
18
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 23: Houston Dash defender Leah Klenke (4) attempts to leap over Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller (17) during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The Houston Dash won the game, 2-1.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
19
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 15: Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji (front) competes with Boston Legacy FC defender Bianca St-Georges during the first half at PayPal Park. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
20
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 9: Houston Dash forward Kate Faasse (left) controls the ball against the Denver Summit FC at Shell Energy Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 4-1.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
21
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 9: Boston Legacy FC goalkeeper Casey Murphy (1) plays the ball against Gotham FC during the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
22
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 3: Portland Thorns FC midfielder Cassandra Bogere (6) defends Chicago Stars FC midfielder Manaka Hayashi (16) during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Portland Thorns won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
23
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
May 2: North Caroilna Courage goalie Kailen Sheridan (1) clears the ball off a corner kick during the second half against the KC Current at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. KC Current won the game, 2-1.
(William Howard, Imagn Images)
24
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NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 25: The Houston Dash's Colaprico (24) and North Carolina Courage's Evelyn Ijeh (10) battle for the ball during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. The North Carolina Courage won the game, 1-0.
(Maria Lysaker, Imagn Images)
25
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 25: Boston Legacy FC's Josefine Hasbo (5) defends against Chicago Stars FC's Jordyn Huitema during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The Chicago Stars won the game, 2-0.
(David Banks, Imagn Images)
26
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 24: Kansas City Current goalkeeper Lorena (23) drops a corner kick allowing the Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman to score a goal during the first half at Audi Field. The Washington Spirit won the game, 4-0.
(Jamie Sabau, Imagn Images)
27
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
April 5: Washington Spirit defender Tara Rudd (9) heads the ball against Bay FC during the second half at PayPal Park. The Washington Spirit won the game, 2-0.
(John Hefti, Imagn Images)
28
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 25: Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger makes a save on a shot by Denver Summit FC's Melissa Kossler during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 2-0.
29
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 25: The Washington Spirit's Esme Morgan (24) heads the ball against the Utah Royals at Audi Field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
30
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NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 22: San Diego Wave FC's Laurina Fazer (left) and the Utah Royals' Cece Delzer battle for possession during the first half at America First Field. The San Diego Wave won the game, 2-1.
(Aaron Baker, Imagn Images)
31
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 21: The North Carolina Courage's Riley Jackson (right) fights for the ball against Gotham FC's Esther González (9) and Jessica Carter (27) during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
32
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 21: Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten (12) controls the ball as Boston Legacy FC defender Jorelyn Carabalí (16) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won the game, 3-0.
33
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: North Carolina Courage fans hold yellow and red cards during second half against the Racing Louisville FC at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. North Carolina won the match, 2-1.
(Jaylynn Nash, Imagn Images)
34
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: A Volaris airplane flies over the stadium during the Bay FC vs. Denver Summit FC game at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Bay FC won the match, 2-1, in what was the first-ever game for the Denver Summit.
(David Gonzales, Imagn Images)
35
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: Utah Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen (7) dribbles up field against the Kansas City Current during the second half at CPKC Stadium. Kansas City won the match, 2-1.
(Peter Aiken, Imagn Images)
36
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 14: Boston Legacy FC midfielder Alba Caño (26) and NY/NJ Gotham FC midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (10) battle for the ball during the first half of the game at Gillette Stadium. Gotham FC won the match - the first in Boston Legacy FC history - 1-0.
(Natalie Reid, Imagn Images)
37
/37
NWSL action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season
March 13: The Washington Spirit get ready for a corner kick during the second half against the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Portland won the NWSL 2026 season opener, 1-0.
(Jordyn Harris, Imagn Images)
"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.
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"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
