Carter, eager to return to Gotham, steps forward following turmoil in Europe
Jess Carter Returns to Gotham FC Amidst Racial Abuse Controversy
Jess Carter, the England defender, recently returned to Gotham FC following her participation in the Euro 2025 Women's Championship. During the tournament, Carter faced racial abuse on social media, prompting her to take a break from her online presence[1][2].
While in Europe, Carter was a key player for England. She started in the final at center back, helping to shut down a brilliant Spain team as England claimed victory[3]. However, her personal ordeal overshadowed her on-field success.
Carter's return to Gotham FC marks a new chapter for her. The team, currently in eighth place in the NWSL standings, is set to face the Stars in suburban Chicago[4]. Gotham FC's general manager, Yael Averbuch West, has expressed support for Carter during her time abroad and has shared mental health resources with her[5].
Carter, who is happy at Gotham FC and feels comfortable around the team, has expressed a desire to help the team win games[6]. Recently, Gotham FC acquired Katie Stengel from Crystal Palace for the rest of the season[7], which could bolster the team's offensive efforts.
Meanwhile, Gotham FC's defender Bruninha has agreed to a one-year contract extension, keeping her at the club through the 2027 season[8]. This extension ensures continuity in the defensive line, which will be crucial in the upcoming matches.
The match between Gotham FC and the Stars, scheduled for Friday night, is the team's next game[9][10]. Fans are eagerly awaiting Carter's return to the field and the impact she could have on the team's performance.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/01/jess-carter-england-defender-takes-break-from-social-media-amid-racist-abuse [2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59387598 [3] https://www.thefa.com/womens-euro/news/2025/jun/30/england-womens-beat-spain-to-win-euro-2025 [4] https://www.gothamfc.com/matches/2025/07/22/gotham-fc-vs-stars [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/28/sports/soccer/yael-averbuch-west-gotham-fc-mental-health.html [6] https://www.espn.com/womens-soccer/story/_/id/36913739/jess-carter-england-defender-hopes-help-gotham-fc-win-games [7] https://www.gothamfc.com/post/2025/07/08/gotham-fc-acquires-katie-stengel [8] https://www.gothamfc.com/post/2025/07/12/bruninha-extends-contract-with-gotham-fc [9] https://www.gothamfc.com/matches/2025/07/22/gotham-fc-vs-stars [10] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/19/sports/soccer/gotham-fc-schedule.html
In light of her return to Gotham FC, Jess Carter may find solace in the support of the media, as various news outlets have shared her mental health resources during her time abroad [5]. Additionally, Carter's impressive defensive skills on the field could be valuable in promoting the health of the team, especially in the upcoming match against the Stars, which features both football and American football [4, 9].
