Gotham Women’s League Champions Welcomed to White House

Brazilian team Bruninha is the first from the NWSL to be invited to an official event at the presidential headquarters

“Do you like being called the bats of Gotham?” joked US President Joe Biden in front of the Gotham FC squad, the 2023 champions of the NWSL, the country’s women’s soccer league. The team from the New York and New Jersey region was the first winner of the competition to be welcomed at an official event at the White House. Right-back Bruninha, the only Brazilian on the squad, took part in the celebration and shared the experience on social media.

Gotham was born in 2021, replacing the extinct Sky Blue, and adopted the famous name of the city from the stories of Batman, a character from DC Comics, and consequently gained the nickname “the bats”, inspiring President Biden’s joke in his speech honoring the champions.

Gotham FC’s captain in last year’s title win, New Zealander Ali Krieger retired at the end of last season, but was chosen to represent the team in the acceptance speech, in which she highlighted the legacy for the new generations.

– Every time we step onto the pitch, we think of the young girls who dream of a future in the sport. This moment is not about titles, it is about paving the way for them – said the 40-year-old former defender.

With five rounds remaining in the first phase of the NWSL this season, Gotham FC is in third place with 43 points, eight behind leaders Orlando Pride, and has already mathematically secured its place in the quarterfinals.