Spain forward Esther Gonzalez is facing criticism after signing for Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Qadsiah.
The 33-year-old mutually ended her contract with National Women’s Soccer League champions Gotham FC in July, with the club saying she was stepping away to handle personal matters in Spain. Gonzalez, whose deal ran through 2027, wrote on Instagram that the decision was strictly personal and that Gotham would always mean a great deal to her.
Al Qadsiah announced her arrival on Sunday, prompting backlash from Gotham fans over the manner of her departure and the lack of a transfer fee, as well as concern and criticism from members of the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex relationships and sexual activity are illegal in Saudi Arabia.
Supporters on social media questioned her motivations and raised safety concerns. According to Spanish outlet El Mundo, Gonzalez has removed photos featuring her wife and their first child, born in January, from her social media accounts since the move.
Gonzalez is not the first footballer to face pushback after moving to Saudi Arabia. England midfielder Jordan Henderson drew heavy criticism when he joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023; openly gay footballer Jake Daniels called the move “a slap in the face.” Henderson, who had publicly supported LGBTQ+ causes with rainbow laces, a One Love armband, and messages of solidarity, left Al-Ettifaq after six months.
Gonzalez won two NWSL titles, the NWSL Challenge Cup, and the Concacaf W Champions Cup in three seasons following her move from Real Madrid to the United States. Al Qadsiah finished fourth in the Saudi Women’s Premier League in 2025-26.
Gotham FC declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport.