She doesn’t chase headlines, she earns them. Born in Andalusia, Esther Gonzalez has spent years building a legacy with sharp instincts, clever footwork and a resilience that doesn’t always make the highlight reel but defines a career.
Her story isn’t just told in goals scored or clubs played for. It’s in the moments when things didn’t go to plan—injuries, transfers, doubts—and how she turned each into fuel. There’s something magnetic about players who don’t flinch.
She moves with purpose. Between jersey changes and whispers about her personal life, she’s carved out space in a game that rarely slows down. What’s next for her might still be unwritten, but the spotlight’s already waiting.
How old is Esther Gonzalez?
Esther Gonzalez was born on December 8, 1992, in Huéscar, Spain, making her 32 years old as of mid‑2025. Her expansive career spans nearly two decades, highlighting the durability and longevity of a player still firing on all cylinders.
Esther González #9 of Spain in action in the first half of the UEFA Women’s Nations League 2024/25 Grp A3 MD5 match between Belgium and Spain on May 30, 2025. (Source: Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
How tall is Esther Gonzalez?
At 1.61 m (5 ft 3 in), Esther Gonzalez may not tower over defenders, but her physical presence belies her stature. She combines low centre of gravity, spatial intelligence and timing to dominate in tight areas and aerial duels.
Is Esther Gonzalez single?
Esther Gonzalez keeps her personal life private, yet has shared aspects of her relationship openly: she is dating Estefania Cruz, a fitness coach and LGBTQ+ advocate. The couple appears in moments of shared advocacy and quiet support on social media.
Esther Gonzalez’s social media
Her Instagram, @esthergonzalez, boasts around 120 k followers and offers glimpses into training routines, match days, and her life stateside in New York. Posts strike a balance—some personal, many aligned with her professional identity. Beyond soccer content, she also shares glimpses of her advocacy work and everyday routines, offering authenticity without spectacle.
What team does Esther Gonzalez play for?
As of 2025, Esther Gonzalez is a key forward for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. Since joining the club in August 2023, she has quickly become an essential part of Gotham’s attacking line, helping lead the team to its first-ever NWSL Championship title.
Her arrival brought not only goal-scoring prowess but also valuable international experience from top European leagues and the Spanish national team. Gotham FC benefits from her versatility, work rate and leadership.
Before moving to the NWSL, she played for some of Spain’s top clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, where she established herself as a prolific scorer and respected leader.
What is Esther Gonzalez’s jersey number?
Esther Gonzalez wears the iconic number 9 jersey for Gotham FC, a number traditionally assigned to a team’s primary striker. This number carries weight and expectation, signaling her role as the focal point of the attack. It aligns with her reputation as a prolific goal scorer and clutch performer.
Esther Gonzalez #9 of NJ/NY Gotham FC poses for a portrait during NJ/NY Gotham FC Media Day at Hanover Marriott on March 05, 2024. (Source: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The No. 9 jersey is not just symbolic; it reflects her responsibility on the field—to lead the line, score goals, and be the player teammates look to when the game is on the line. Her goal-scoring record and ability to perform in key moments justify her wearing this revered number.
Esther Gonzalez’s injury
Throughout her career, Esther Gonzalez has faced physical challenges, including several injuries that tested her resilience. While she has been relatively fortunate compared to many athletes, a few setbacks have temporarily sidelined her, forcing periods of recovery and rehabilitation.
One notable injury occurred during her time with Atletico Madrid, when a muscular strain kept her out for several weeks, interrupting a promising run of form. However, her disciplined approach to rehabilitation and mental toughness allowed her to return to the pitch stronger and more determined.
These experiences have shaped her not just physically but mentally, highlighting her grit and commitment to the game. Her ability to bounce back from injury has been a testament to her professionalism and dedication, qualities that continue to define her playing career.
Esther Gonzalez’s career highlights
- World Cup Champion with Spain (2023): She was part of Spain’s historic squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking a breakthrough for Spanish women’s soccer on the global stage. Her contributions throughout the tournament helped solidify her standing as one of the country’s top forwards.
- Record Goal Scorer for Real Madrid Women: Between 2021 and 2023, she became Real Madrid Women’s all-time top scorer with 39 goals, showcasing her lethal finishing and consistency in front of goal during her time with the club.
- NWSL Champion with Gotham FC: Since joining Gotham FC in 2023, she played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first-ever National Women’s Soccer League title, scoring decisive goals and emerging as a fan favorite.
- Domestic Success in Spain: Prior to moving abroad, she won multiple Liga F titles and the Copa de la Reina with Atletico Madrid, establishing herself as a dominant force in Spanish domestic soccer.
- Consistent National Team Contributor: With over 53 caps and more than 36 goals for Spain, she remains a vital part of the national setup, regularly scoring in important qualifiers and tournaments like UEFA Women’s Euro and the World Cup.
