Gotham sign Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger as Bats bolster roster ahead of back-to-back NWSL Championship push

The Bats and the Blues announced the deal Friday afternoon, with Berger departing the London-based club after six seasons with Chelsea. The German arrived from Birmingham City in the 2018/19 season and leaves in 2024 as a club legend with the Blues.

Berger had an illustrious career with Chelsea, most notably winning the Golden Glove in 2021 en-route to a WSL title with the Blues and in 2023, when she made a critical penalty save in the UEFA Champions League against Lyon to send her club to the semifinals of the European competition.

Off the pitch, Berger's story continues. The German is a two-time cancer survivor and despite all the setbacks it brought her during her professional career, she's climbed back to the top each time.

The 33-year-old will be remembered by Blues fans around the world as a club legend, while supporters of the Bats have a lot to look forward to with the signing.

“I am incredibly excited to join Gotham FC for this season,” said Berger. “The NWSL is one of the top leagues in the world right now, and I am very excited to compete and be a part of this league.”

The Bats take on Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit this weekend in an NWSL clash of superstar clubs. Gotham will look to earn their second win of the campaign, while the Spirit look for their fourth-straight victory.