Esther Gonzalez faces backlash after move to Saudi Arabian club

Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has faced significant backlash following her move to Saudi Women's Premier League side Al Qadsiah. As an openly gay athlete, the 33-year-old’s decision to join a club in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal has drawn intense criticism from fans and the LGBTQ+ community.

The move comes shortly after Gonzalez agreed to a mutual contract termination with NWSL champions Gotham FC in July. At the time, the club stated she was stepping away to deal with personal matters, with Gonzalez noting that Gotham would always hold a special place in her heart. Fans of the New York-based club have expressed disappointment, both over the nature of her departure and the club missing out on a potential transfer fee.

According to reports from El Mundo, Gonzalez has deleted all social media photos featuring her wife and child since the move. This has fueled further concerns regarding her motivations and personal safety in a region with strict social laws. Her situation mirrors that of Jordan Henderson, who faced similar scrutiny in 2023 for moving to the Saudi Pro League after having previously championed LGBTQ+ rights.

Gonzalez, who moved to the United States from Real Madrid, won two NWSL titles and a Concacaf W Champions Cup during her time in the US. Her new club, Al Qadsiah, finished fourth in the Saudi Women's Premier League during the 2025-26 season.