NJ/NY Gotham FC signs Brazilian forward Gabi Portilho

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NJ/NY Gotham FC has signed Brazilian international Gabi Portilho on a free transfer from Corinthians. The forward is under contract through 2026, with an option for 2027.

Portilho, 29, was recently a nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or and played a significant role in Brazil’s run to an Olympic silver medal in August. She scored the game-winning goal against France in the quarterfinals, and tallied a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over World Cup champions Spain in the semifinal. Portilho has 26 caps for Brazil.

“I am very happy, motivated, and grateful for this opportunity,” Portilho said in a statement. “God could not have put me in a better place. Gotham FC is a great club I will always do my best to help the team achieve many victories and win many titles.”

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The announcement of Portilho’s arrival at the 2023 NWSL championship-winning club comes only days after the blockbuster departure of versatile attacker Yazmeen Ryan, who was traded to the Houston Dash for a record $400,000 in allocation money.

Allocation money allows teams to pay salaries outside of the salary cap, although the method of cash is increasingly rare in the NWSL as it is phased out. Gotham did not disclose salary details, which is standard NWSL practice.

Gotham also acquired a 2025 international roster spot from the Dash in the trade for Ryan.

At Corinthians Portilho helped the club secure five consecutive Campeonato Brasileiro Femenino A1 titles (2020–2024), three consecutive Supercopa do Brasil titles (2022-2024), and three Copa Libertadores Femenina titles (2021, 2023, and 2024).

Portilho has spent almost her entire career to date in Brazil.

“Gabi is an experienced, world-class player who has competed at the highest levels,” Gotham FC general manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “She is extremely talented and we are excited to have her join the club.”