San Diego Wave signs Brazil international Gabi Portilho from Gotham FC
The 30-year-old forward joins San Diego on a deal through the 2026 NWSL season after one year with the defending champions.
March 2, 2026
San Diego Wave has signed Brazil international Gabi Portilho from NJ/NY Gotham FC for $175,000 in transfer fees, the teams announced Monday. The 30-year-old attacker has signed a deal through the end of the 2026 National Women's Soccer League season with an option for an additional year.
Portilho joined Gotham ahead of the 2025 season following her arrival from Brazilian side SC Corinthians in December 2024. In her single season with the defending NWSL champions, she recorded three goals and three assists in 17 regular-season appearances. She started in the quarterfinals and semifinals as Gotham won the 2025 NWSL championship. Portilho also helped Gotham win the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup.
Her final game for Gotham was a 1-0 defeat in January against her former side SC Corinthians in the semi-finals of the inaugural FIFA Champions Cup in London.
"Gabi is an impactful attacking player with championship experience, and we're excited to welcome her to San Diego," San Diego sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said in a statement. "She's a versatile player who competes at a high level on both sides of the ball. Gabi has consistently performed on the biggest stages for club and country, and her quality and work rate will be valuable additions to our squad."
Gotham general manager Yael Averbuch West said in a statement: "Gabi has been an important part of our club's success since she joined us, and we're thankful for everything she brought to Gotham FC. We wish her all the best as she moves forward in her career."
The trade comes as Gotham prepares to begin its NWSL title defense in the coming days. Gotham now has seven players listed on the roster at the forward spot following the transaction.