Amidst the ongoing reports of signing United States women's national team standout Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC agreed to grant Nealy Martin's transfer request to Angel City FC. Gotham will receive $85,000 in intra-league transfer funds for the 27-year-old midfielder.
The request for the move comes amidst a decline in playing time for the midfielder. With head coach Juan Carlos Amorós making starting lineup changes every few games, mixing rookies with seasoned players, Martin spent more time on the bench than on the field.
“More than anything, I want to thank the Gotham community for taking a chance and believing in me during my time here,” Martin said in a statement. “I gave my heart and soul to this club, and a piece of me will always remain in NJ/NY. It would’ve taken something very special for me to consider leaving this place, and I have found that in Angel City. As I leave excited for this new chapter with LA, my heart is so full of gratitude for every moment here.”
Coast to Coast 🗽➡️🌴 Angel City FC has acquired midfielder Nealy Martin through a trade with NJ/NY Gotham FC.
— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2025-09-09T19:20:44.557Z
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Martin grew up playing Elite Club National League for Birmingham United before she was recruited by the University of Alabama during her junior year of high school. She helped the Crimson Tide qualify for the NCAA tournament during her freshman season, later guiding the team to the SEC tournament quarterfinals, where she played her final game for the school and finished with a goal.
Martin initially joined the NWSL after attending open tryouts for Racing Louisville FC in 2020. The club named her to their preseason roster, where she signed her first official contract in April 2021. She played as a center back for Louisville, making her professional debut on April 10, 2021, in a draw against the Orlando Pride.
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Gotham acquired Martin off waivers near the end of 2022, signing her to a one-year deal with an option for 2024. She debuted for the Bats on April 19, 2023, in a NWSL Challenge Cup group stage match against the Washington Spirit, and notched her first NWSL assist that June, when her throw-in was finished by Lynn Williams in a game against Chicago Red Stars.
Most iconic, perhaps, was her cameo role as the goalkeeper for the club during Gotham's 2023 championship match. After Gotham goalkeeper Mandy Haught received a red card, Martin stepped up to play in goal — the first outfield player in NWSL to do so. Her efforts helped Gotham secure their first NWSL title.
End of an era. midfielder and sometimes emergency goalkeeper Nealy Martin joins Angel City from Gotham. Never forget when Martin played in goal at the end of the 2023 NWSL Championship game to help them win the title after their goalkeeper received a red card 🧤🏆
— The Women's Game (@womensgamemib.bsky.social) 2025-09-09T19:18:28.422Z
Martin proved to be a devoted player for Gotham, putting her heart into it when called onto the pitch. She made 73 NWSL appearances for the club, starting 62 times.
In this 2025 season, Martin made 12 starts, nailing an assist for Geyse in the game-winning goal against Bay FC in June. She was a key player in Gotham's substitution lineup during the team's campaign to win the Concacaf W Champions Cup, coming on during the semifinals and finals. That title earned the club qualification for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
"Nealy has been a consummate professional on and off the field during her time with Gotham FC, and we want to thank her for everything she has contributed to the club," said Yael Averbuch West, the general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC, in a statement. "We support Nealy and her wishes to move on, and we wish her nothing but the best in this next step of her career."
