Esther Gonzalez, a 2023 World Cup winner and a star who helped Spain reach the Euro 2025 final, just inked a deal with Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al Qadsiah, and the fallout is intense. This move has sparked immediate backlash from Gotham FC fans and the wider LGBTQ+ community, leaving a lot of people scratching their heads and expressing serious disappointment.
What’s Happening With Gonzalez’s Exit Messaging?
Gonzalez, 33, agreed to a mutual contract termination with National Women’s Soccer League champions Gotham FC back in July. At the time, the club stated she was stepping away temporarily to “attend to personal matters in Spain.” Gonzalez herself echoed this on Instagram, saying the decision was “due to strictly personal reasons,” adding that New York based Gotham would “always hold a special place in my heart.” Her contract with Gotham was originally set to expire in 2027.
However, Al Qadsiah announced her signing on Sunday, completely changing the narrative. This revelation instantly ignited criticism. Gotham supporters are voicing deep disappointment over the messaging around her exit, feeling misled. There is also frustration that Gotham FC missed out on a transfer fee for a player who won two NWSL titles, an NWSL Challenge Cup, and the Concacaf W Champions Cup in her three seasons after moving from Real Madrid. To add another layer to this, Spanish outlet El Mundo reports Gonzalez has deleted all photos of herself with her wife and their first child, born in January, from her social media accounts since signing for Al Qadsiah. Gotham FC declined to comment when contacted.
The Bigger Picture: Safety and Support Questions
The move has drawn even more significant criticism from within the LGBTQ+ community, and for good reason. Same sex relationships and sexual activity are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Fans on social media are openly questioning Gonzalez’s motivations and expressing grave concerns for her safety in the region. It’s a tough look, especially given her previous statements.
Gonzalez isn’t the first footballer to face negative reactions for moving to Saudi Arabia. England midfielder Jordan Henderson attracted serious criticism after his 2023 transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. Openly gay footballer Jake Daniels described Henderson’s move as a “slap in the face,” particularly stinging because Henderson had previously shown strong support for the LGBTQ+ community, wearing rainbow laces, a One Love armband, and writing messages of solidarity. Henderson eventually left Al Ettifaq after just six months. This precedent only amplifies the questions and concerns surrounding Gonzalez’s decision. Al Qadsiah finished fourth in the Saudi Women’s Premier League in 2025 26.
This whole situation leaves a cloud hanging over what should be a new chapter for Gonzalez. Instead, it is riddled with tough questions, real disappointment, and significant concerns for the future.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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