Talia Zomer’s Gotham FC move signals new chapter for Israeli women's soccer

Israeli footballer Talia Zomer, who has signed with Gotham FC, the reigning champions of the United States, spoke this Thursday on KAN News on Reshet Bet about the achievement and her ambitions for the future. In an interview with Lian Wildau on the program KAN Sport, the Israeli representative in the world’s top league said, “I’m getting many more messages from Jewish and Israeli families in New York and the surrounding area who are so happy and proud that I’m coming to represent them.”

“This didn’t happen by chance. In the summer of 2025 I trialed with the team for three days, and they were very impressed by my level and my personality. They stayed in touch with me throughout the college season, and as soon as it ended, talks about joining began.”

Zomer is joining a star-studded squad that includes Rose Lavelle, one of the stars of the U.S. national team. “Rose Lavelle is an icon, a world champion. She’s the ‘LeBron James’ of women’s football,” Zomer said. “To sit next to her in the locker room and play alongside her in midfield is insane. They’re bringing me in as a young player who needs to prove herself. I don’t have world titles yet, but for me this is an amazing opportunity to prove myself—to come and simply show them why I deserve to be among players like these. I trust myself that I know how to handle pressure.”

The high-profile move to New York during the current period also brings challenges. Zomer spoke candidly about reactions on social media:

“There’s a lot of antisemitism and unpleasant responses from ignorant people, but I’m stronger than that. What really matters to me are the messages from Jewish and Israeli families in New York who are happy and proud that there’s an Israeli player representing them on their team.”

The NWSL season itself is expected to kick off in mid-March. “The football there is amazing—the physicality is a level above anything you see in Europe,” Zomer concluded, expressing hope that her move will open the door for more Israeli players and help elevate the Israeli national team.