Esther González has been Gotham FC's bright star in 2025 | OneFootball

When NJ/NY Gotham FC began the 2025 season, the team was winless in their first three games. Since the international break, the Bats have won three of their last four matches, scoring 11 goals in this time.

One player has been vital to their recent success, and that is Esther González.

The Spanish forward, who has been stellar in the NWSL, did not score during those first three matches. However, after barely earning a call-up to the Spanish national team in 2024, she finally was one of the players called for Spain in the April international window. She scored two goals -- one in each game against Portugal -- and returned to Gotham FC boldly confident in her play.

González confident upon her return

In her last four games, González has scored in every match. She has scored seven times for Gotham FC and currently leads the NWSL's Golden Boot race. It did not matter whether she started as the striker or slightly behind Ella Stevens; the forward has been on an offensive tear. Plus, she already has three braces after scoring twice in all three of the wins.

Without the Spaniard's goals, things would look quite different for Gotham FC. The 3-1 win over the North Carolina Courage, a team that has been struggling, likely would have ended in a 1-1 draw. Then, the recent 3-0 win over the Washington Spirit would have kept the D.C. team in the match, leading to a higher belief that the opposing team could level the score.

Clearly, the seven goals have been a major part of the Bats' recent success. However, González is not a striker who sits and waits for the ball. She is known as a roamer and will play all over the final third. She will also drop deep when needed to help defend or attempt to regain possession. Her technical ability enables her to be a fierce and tough player on the pitch.

An all-around threat

Every aspect of the Gotham player's game has helped her team over the last four games. Yes, there was one loss mixed in, but every NWSL team has lost at least once. The difference is that she has turned into a bright star, shining bright enough to lead the Bats into fourth place in the standings.

Hence, it was not surprising that she was named the NWSL Player of the Month for April. González's seven goals tied the league record for the most goals over four games, and again, she was vital to Gotham FC's success.

There were questions about the NJ/NY side as the season began. With multiple roster changes, could they compete at the high level fans expect from them? As of now, that answer is yes, and it is thanks to the shining star, González. The next step is for the Gotham FC forward to continue scoring throughout the rest of the 2025 campaign.