The surprise departure of Spanish forward Esther González from Gotham FC late last month took on a new twist Sunday after it was revealed that she already has a new soccer home.
González signed with Al Qadsiah of the Saudi Women's Premier League after Gotham announced in July that she was departing the NWSL club in order "to attend to personal matters in Spain."
Gotham FC forward Esther González moves the ball down the pitch as Washington Spirit defender Gabrielle Carle gives chase during the first half at Citi Field in Queens on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
But Sunday's news that the 2025 NWSL MVP finalist signed with a new team less than a month after leaving Gotham has surprised many people.
When the club announced the "mutual contract termination," the messaging surrounding her departure wished her and her family well as González returned to Spain.
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Post that sentiments in Gotham's sendoff messaging came with an expectation that González wouldn't play for a while, much less sign with a new club a month later.
González arrived to Gotham in 2023 shortly after she helped Spain win the 2023 World Cup, and during her time with the club, she won two NWSL titles. She had been signed through the 2027 NWSL season at the time of her departure.
She scored the winning goal in the NWSL final in 2023 and scored 13 goals during the 2025 regular season en route to Gotham's second league title. González was also part of the squad that won the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup in 2025.
Gotham's president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said in a statement last month when González left that she was "a model professional on and off the field."
NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Esther González (9) celebrates her goal with forward Gabi Portilho (18) during the first half against the Houston Dash at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in Harrison, New Jersey. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
González said at the time that Gotham would "always hold a very special place in my heart."
Gotham, which sits in first place in NWSL after Sunday night's 0-0 draw against Angel City in Los Angeles, has not publicly addressed the news.
