Gotham FC has announced today the signing of Republic of Ireland international, Denise O’Sullivan, from Liverpool FC. She will join the club on a one-year loan with an obligation for a permanent transfer. O’Sullivan will return to NWSL after spending half a year with Liverpool.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Gotham FC and return to the NWSL,” said O’Sullivan. “This club has established itself as one of the top teams in the world with an incredible culture and ambition to compete for every trophy. I can’t wait to meet my teammates, get to work and do everything I can to help this club continue its success.”
Before joining Liverpool, O’Sullivan established herself as one of the NWSL’s most accomplished players during 10 seasons with the Houston Dash and North Carolina Courage. She made 184 regular-season appearances — the 18th most in league history – recording 166 starts, five goals and 18 assists.
For the North Carolina Courage, O’Sullivan became the all-time leader in regular-season appearances (155), starts (147), and minutes played (12,958). She helped them win the NWSL Championships in 2018 and 2019, along with three consecutive NWSL Shields from 2017-19. She also won the NWSL Challenge Cup in both 2022 and 2023 and was selected to the NWSL Best XI Second Team in 2023.
“I think Denise is probably one of the best midfielders on the planet,” said Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós. “The way she sees, understands, reads the game, I think it’s something that can bring a lot for the team
“Denise has consistently established herself as one of the world’s top midfielders through her performances in both the NWSL and on the international stage,” said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “She brings exceptional experience, leadership and a relentless competitive mentality to our group. Her quality on both sides of the ball and her ability to elevate those around her will make us a better team, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Gotham.”
At the international level, O’Sullivan has earned more than 100 caps for Ireland and has been one of their most influential players. She helped lead Ireland to its first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and has also represented her country in UEFA Women’s European Championship qualifying and UEFA Women’s Nations League competition.
Before Denis found success in the NWSL, O’Sullivan played professionally in Scotland and at Glasgow City, where she gained UEFA Women’s Champions League experience and won multiple domestic honours.
O’Sullivan is a native of Cork, Ireland and began her professional career with Cork Women’s FC before becoming the Republic of Ireland’s most successful footballer and an established figure for both club and country.
