Spanish international Esther Gonzalez has come under scrutiny after joining Saudi Women's Premier League club Al Qadsiah, a move that has triggered criticism from supporters of her former club and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 33-year-old forward, who helped Spain lift the 2023 World Cup, had parted ways with NWSL champions Gotham FC in July under a mutually agreed contract termination, despite her deal running until 2027. At the time, Gotham explained the split was to allow Gonzalez to "attend to personal matters in Spain," while the player herself stated on Instagram that her departure was down to "strictly personal reasons," adding that the New York club would "always hold a special place in my heart."
That explanation was called into question when Al Qadsiah confirmed her signing on Sunday. The announcement drew immediate backlash on social media, with Gotham fans expressing frustration both at how her exit had been framed and at the fact the club received no transfer fee for a departing World Cup winner. Others raised concerns for Gonzalez's wellbeing, pointing out that same-sex relationships and sexual activity remain illegal under Saudi law.
Adding to the controversy, Spanish outlet El Mundo reported that Gonzalez has removed all photographs featuring her wife and their child, who was born in January, from her social media profiles since completing the transfer.
Gonzalez is not the first high-profile footballer to face criticism for relocating to Saudi Arabia. England midfielder Jordan Henderson encountered a similar reaction after signing for Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Openly gay footballer Jake Daniels branded that move a "slap in the face," noting that Henderson had previously sent him a supportive message after he came out. Henderson had long been seen as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, having worn rainbow laces and a One Love armband, and having written messages of solidarity in club programmes before his Saudi switch. He left Al-Ettifaq after just six months.
Gonzalez's departure marks the end of a highly successful three-year spell in the NWSL, during which she moved from Real Madrid to Gotham FC and went on to win two league titles, an NWSL Challenge Cup, and the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Her decision to join Al Qadsiah, who finished fourth in the Saudi Women's Premier League during the 2025-26 season, represents a significant shift for a player who had become closely associated with Gotham's rise to prominence in American women's soccer.
The circumstances surrounding her exit have left many questioning the initial framing of her departure as a temporary step away from football for personal reasons, given that she has now committed to a new club competing in a country where LGBTQ+ rights remain heavily restricted. BBC Sport has reached out to Gotham FC for further comment on the matter, though no response had been issued at the time of reporting.
As reaction continues to unfold, the transfer has reignited broader debate about player welfare, transparency in contract negotiations, and the growing trend of high-profile athletes moving to Saudi Arabian clubs despite concerns over human rights conditions in the country.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.