Gotham FC signs Gabi Portilho as International Stars Redefine the NWSL

Increasingly, teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are recruiting international talent to elevate the level of play and attract a broader, global fan base. For many years, the most common recruitment strategy for NWSL teams has been recruitment from the College Draft or signing U.S. Women’s National Team players who have already gained recognition in the United States. As of 2024, each NWSL team is allotted seven international roster spots, an increase from five spots allotted in the 2023 season. With 14 teams in the NWSL as the 2025 season kicks off, this means that the league has potential for 98 star international players to attract further engagement and support for a league that has been rapidly growing in recent years. 

The NWSL has grown immensely in both popularity and financial stability, making the league a more enticing option for international stars who otherwise could play closer to home. In August 2024, the NWSL reached a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association that will allow players for the first time to have complete control over the team they play for; in other words, no draft or trades can occur without a player’s consent. This player autonomy further sets the league apart as an attractive destination for international talent when weighing their options and could contribute to the flood of international players into the league. 

 This star talent from abroad has the potential to increase the game play significantly. For example, last year Temwa Chawingo, a Malawian soccer player on the Kansas City Current, won the league’s MVP award and set a league record with 20 goals. There is no doubt that strong performance like this on the field draws in fans, and thus, she likely contributes to the Current’s rising fan attendance statistics. 

Gotham FC has begun to take a similar approach, which can aid it in its goal of surviving in the concentrated New York City/New Jersey sports market. One of its key signings occurred on December 30, 2024, when Gotham FC signed Brazilian Star Gabi Portilho from Corinthians, adding international talent to the superteam Gotham has been forming since its rebrand. Over the last four years, Portilho has played for the Corinthians club in Brazil where she has scored 22 goals in her 96 game appearances, signaling the success and level of play she will bring to Gotham FC. She played in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics with the Brazilian Women’s National Team and scored the winning goal against France to send the team to the semifinals. Throughout the Olympics, she tallied two goals and two assists in five matches, playing a  pivotal role in the team’s run to a silver medal. Given her strong Brazilian following, Portilho’s signing with Gotham will likely bring over new international fans to engage with the team, expanding its reach beyond merely local residents. 

Many other international stars have joined teams across the league, an exciting development to look out for as the 2025 season unfolds. For example, Rebeccaa Bernal joined the Washington Spirit from Mexico, Allanna Kenedy joined Angel City FC from Australia, and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu joined the San Diego Wave from Nigeria, each a star on their respective national teams. 

As international stars continue to sign with NWSL clubs, teams like Gotham FC are positioning themselves for more than just on-field success—they are building toward greater visibility and fan engagement in an increasingly global sports landscape. These signings do more than strengthen rosters; they deepen the league’s connection to fans around the world and elevate the level of competition week after week. For a team competing in one of the world’s most crowded sports markets, Gotham’s decision to sign elite international players like Gabi Portilho may be a key to standing out. As the 2025 season unfolds, the league’s international growth promises exciting matches and a broader, more connected future for the women’s game.