Lilly Reale is really good: Gotham FC defender is the 2025 Rookie of the Year | OneFootball

When the NWSL Award nominations were released last Monday, three NJ/NY Gotham FC players were nominated: Ann-Katrin Berger was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year, Esther González was nominated for the MVP, and Lilly Reale was nominated for the Rookie of the Year. And, during the NWSL Awards on Wednesday, the Bats found out they have a winner in their squad.

It was announced that Reale is the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year. She beat out Maddie Dahlien of Seattle Reign FC and Riley Tiernan of Angel City FC. It was thought that either her or Tiernan would win, but in the end, the Gotham defender received the accolade.

Lilly Reale deserves to be the Rookie of the Year

Reale is actually the second player from the NJ/NY side to win the award in the last three years, and fourth overall in team history. Of course, Jenna Nighswonger won in 2023, who also played in the left-back position. If she had not left for Arsenal Women Football Club, then it is very possible Reale could have won Rookie of the Year with another NWSL team.

Thankfully, it worked out in the end, and Reale slotted easily into the left-back position. She played in all 26 matches during the regular season, starting 21 times for the Bats. She might have only had one goal and an assist, but she was vital in the attack. As a left-back, she was one of the better players when it came to accurate long balls and successful crosses. Her ability to move forward into the final third is remarkable for someone who played mostly as a center-back in college.

However, her defensive work was a huge part of why the Bats were one of the best defensive sides in the NWSL. Reale had 36 interceptions and 54 tackles, leading Gotham with the interceptions. She was fearless in taking on attackers when attempting to retrieve the ball. She was also solid in regaining possession in the final third.

Clearly, the defender has risen to the occasion in her rookie year. After all, she has been called up regularly to the USWNT since making her debut in June. She has the potential to become a regular starter, but Emma Hayes will likely continue to rotate her squad since there are so many options. Still, Reale should continue to receive call-ups, pending that she does not try to leave Gotham for another team and then barely play.

2025 has been a great year for the defender, and it is not over. The Rookie of the Year has a chance to become a champion when the Bats play in the NWSL Championship this weekend. No matter what happens, though, Reale has had a spectacular season despite the ups and downs for Gotham FC. She deserves the recognition that she has received.