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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
Spanish forward Esther González has officially joined Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, just weeks after she unexpectedly departed from defending NWSL champions Gotham FC “to tend to personal matters in Spain.”
González was a finalist for the 2025 NWSL MVP award and was the top scorer for Gotham FC at the time of her mutual contract termination in July.
Gotham FC and González expressed mutual gratitude in their annoucements regarding her departure. She played a pivotal role in helping Gotham secure the NWSL Championship titles in 2023 and 2025.
“Gotham FC will always hold a very special place in my heart,” González said in a July statement.
“We wish Esther and her family all the best as they return home to Spain,” stated Gotham’s president of soccer operations, Yael Averbuch West, last month.
González and her partner welcomed a baby in January.
At the time of her departure from Gotham FC, González was signed through the end of the 2027 NWSL season.
Al Qadsiah is now under the guidance of Giles Barnes, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Orlando Pride before transferring to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Last season, Al Qadsiah finished fourth in the league, previously coached by Canadian Carmelina Moscato.
The 33-year-old González was a key player in Spain’s 2023 World Cup victory shortly before joining Gotham FC.
During her tenure, she contributed to Gotham’s first NWSL Championship win and scored the decisive goal in the final. She also played a vital role in their second championship win last year, netting 13 goals during the regular season.
Additionally, González helped Gotham capture the inaugural Concacaf W Championship in 2025, securing the team a spot in the first FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in 2028.