San Diego Wave sign Gabi Portilho from Gotham FC
Credit: San Diego Wave FC
This Monday, March 2, San Diego Wave FC officially announced the signing of Gabi Portilho from Gotham FC.
The Brazilian winger joins the Southern California club in exchange for $175 000 in transfer funds.
Portilho first joined the NWSL last year and played in 19 games for Gotham, scoring three goals and providing three assists. The veteran player started 13 of those 19 games and will likely be a starter for San Diego.
WE GOT GABI 🇧🇷
bem-vinda ao Wave FC, @gaabiportilho! pic.twitter.com/OxKOpwB45Y
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) March 2, 2026
The Wave has built a Brazilian-based attacking front now with Portilho, Dudinha, and Ludmila. All three of these players have featured for the Brazil national team and have the potential to generate great chemistry in the frontline.
Portilho started four games for Brazil in the 2025 Copa America Femenina and will be looking to continue to get consistent callups.
While there is some veteran presence on the Wave, there are still several younger players, and Portilho’s presence adds plenty of experience. The 30-year-old winger has been a consistent champion, winning the 2025 Copa America Feminina with Brazil and the 2025 NWSL title with Gotham.
SD Wave Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton talked about this signing and this specific experience. “Gabi is an impactful player with championship experience, and we’re excited to welcome her to San Diego, “said Ashton.
“She’s a versatile player who competes at a high level on both sides of the ball consistently. Gabi has consistently performed on the biggest stages for club and country, and her quality, work rate, and winning mentality will elevate our attacking group and add another competitive edge to our squad.”
San Diego Wave will begin play on March 14 against Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium.
Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.