Game Changers: Gotham FC’s Bruninha, dynamic, fearless, decisive

Gotham FC’s bid for back-to-back titles could run through Bruninha’s two-way brilliance.

MIAMI – The 2026 Concacaf W Champions Cup Finals are set to kick off on May 20 in Pachuca, Mexico, with inaugural winners Gotham FC seeking to complete their title defense and become the competition’s first back-to-back champions, led by standout Game-Changer Bruninha.

A member of the squad that lifted the first W Champions Cup title, the Brazilian defender has also played a key role in Gotham FC’s NWSL championship runs in 2023 and 2025, establishing herself as one of the team’s core players.

In the 2025/26 edition, Bruninha has stood out on both ends of the pitch, posting an 81 percent pass completion rate, a perfect tackle success rate, and four key passes, while also leading the team with two goals.

Primarily a defender, she combines defensive solidity with attacking instinct, capable of shutting down opponents while contributing decisively in the final third.

With her versatility, experience, and winning mentality, Bruninha will be crucial in Pachuca as Gotham FC faces Club América Femenil in the Semifinals on May 20, looking to defend their crown and make history.