The shock departure of Spanish ahead 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 residence. 

González signed with Al Qadsiah of the Saudi Women’s Premier League after Gotham announced in July that she was departing the NWSL membership in order “to attend to personal matters in Spain.” 

Gotham FC ahead Esther González strikes 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 information that the 2025 NWSL MVP finalist signed with a new group less than a month after leaving Gotham has stunned many individuals.

When the membership announced the “mutual contract termination,” the messaging surrounding her departure wished her and her household effectively as González returned to Spain. 

A supply with data of the scenario 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 signal with a new membership 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 membership, she won two NWSL titles. She had been signed through the 2027 NWSL season at the time of her departure. 

She scored the successful purpose in the NWSL remaining in 2023 and scored 13 objectives during the 2025 common season en route to Gotham’s second league title. González was also half 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 assertion last month when González left that she was “a model professional on and off the field.” 

NJ/NY Gotham FC ahead Esther González (9) celebrates her purpose with ahead 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 has not publicly addressed the information, though the membership was in motion on Sunday in Los Angeles.