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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Gotham FC Signs Brazilian International Forward Gabi Portilho |
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HARRISON, NJ (Monday, December 30, 2024) - NJ/NY Gotham FC today announced that the club has signed Brazilian international forward and 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin nominee Gabi Portilho to a multi-year contract through 2026, with an option for 2027. Portilho will occupy an international spot on the roster, pending receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). “I am very happy, motivated, and grateful for this opportunity,” said Portilho. “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!” Portilho, 29, joins Gotham FC after spending the last four years with Corinthians in Brazil’s top flight. During her time with the club, she scored 22 goals in 96 appearances. Portilho helped Corinthians 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). She also won the Bola de Prata as one of the top players in the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2024. Starting her career in Brazil, Portilho played for Kindermann-Avai, São José, Audax, and 3B da Amazônia from 2013 to 2019. In 2016, she joined Spanish club Madrid CFF, where she spent seven months before returning to Brazil in 2017. “Gabi is an experienced, world-class player who has competed at the highest levels,” said Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West. “She is extremely talented and we are excited to have her join the club.” Internationally, Portilho has earned 26 caps with the Brazilian Women’s National Team, including appearances in the 2024 Summer Olympics. She played in all but one of Brazil’s six Olympic matches, scoring the winning goal in the 82nd minute against France in the quarterfinals to secure a spot in the semifinals. She also contributed a goal and an assist in Brazil’s 4-2 win over Spain in the semifinal, helping the team reach the Women’s Gold Medal Match. This year, Portilho was named to The Best FIFA Women’s 11. She also ranked 18th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or Féminin.
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