Spain's Esther Gonzalez faces criticism over move to Saudi side Al Qadsiah
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has signed with Saudi Women's Premier League club Al Qadsiah after mutually terminating her contract with Gotham FC. The 2023 World Cup winner's move has drawn backlash from fans and LGBTQ+ advocates, given that same-sex relationships are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Gonzalez has reportedly removed photos with her wife from social media since the transfer.
Gonzalez's move follows a July mutual contract termination with Gotham FC, where she cited personal matters in Spain. The club stated her contract was set to run through 2027. Al Qadsiah finished fourth in the Saudi Women's Premier League in 2025-26, and Gonzalez arrives as a 2023 World Cup winner with two NWSL titles to her name.
The backlash echoes criticism faced by England's Jordan Henderson after his 2023 transfer to Al-Ettifaq, which drew rebuke from openly gay footballer Jake Daniels. Henderson left after six months. Gonzalez has reportedly removed photos with her wife and child from social media since the signing, per Spanish outlet El Mundo.
This story could affect how football fans and players perceive the growing trend of women's footballers moving to Saudi Arabia. It may raise questions about the tension between professional opportunity and personal safety for LGBTQ+ athletes, and could influence how clubs handle player departures and transfers. The reaction may also shape future sponsorship and broadcasting decisions around the Saudi women's league.