San Diego Wave FC has signed Brazil international Gabi Portilho from NJ/NY Gotham FC for $175,000 in transfer fees. The 30-year-old attacker has signed a deal through the end of the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season with an option of an extra year. Portilho joins the Wave after playing just one season in the NWSL with Gotham, following her arrival from Brazilian side SC Corinthians in December 2024. Sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said: 'Gabi is an impactful attacking player with championship experience, and we’re excited to welcome her to San Diego.' The forward, who can feature anywhere along the frontline, made 19 appearances, scored three goals and had three assists in the NWSL for Gotham in 2025, including the playoffs. Portilho won two trophies in 2025 with Gotham: the inaugural 2024-25 CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 2025 NWSL Championship. Over four seasons between 2020-24 for Corinthians, Portilho scored 22 goals in 96 appearances and helped them win five consecutive Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino A1 titles. Portilho made her debut for the Brazilian women’s national team in 2022, at the age of 27. She has earned 28 caps and scored four goals for her country since then, helping Brazil win back-to-back Copa America Femenina titles in 2022 and 2025. The Wave’s Brazilian connection is growing, with Portilho joining fellow Brazilian attackers Dudinha and Ludmila. Portilho’s final season with Gotham was spotted at times with injuries but when she’s healthy she offers a certain finesse on the ball and is lethal in tight spaces. This acquisition also underscores the intrigue of a Brazilian trio at the Wave, with possibilities for a fluid partnership between them that could be incredibly difficult to defend.