New Zealand international CJ Bott has been released by her English Women’s Super League club Leicester City.
The club has confirmed the Wellington-born defender is one of seven players who will be released after the expiry of their contracts.
Bott (30) joined Leicester City in 2022 from Norwegian top-tier club Vålerenga, and signed a two-year extension in July 2023.
Main photo: CJ Bott playing for the Ferns during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Bott’s football career began with New Zealand clubs Tawa, Lynn-Avon United and Waterside Karori before heading to Europe, where she played for German Bundesliga side FF USV.
In 2018, she joined the Swedish club Vittsjö GIK, and a year later, she joined Toppserien-based Vålerenga.
Bott made her international debut in March 2014 and was part of the Ferns squad at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups.
She has earned 50 caps for New Zealand.
In December 2024, CJ Bott and All Whites wingback Liberato Cacace were nominated for FIFA’s Best 11 awards.
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This story was first published on July 22, 2025.