Fan backlash as gay World Cup star joins Saudi club
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez attracts backlash after signing for Saudi Women's Premier League side Al Qadsiah.
Fan backlash erupted as Spain's Esther Gonzalez, a World Cup winner, joined Saudi club Al Qadsiah. The 33-year-old left Gotham FC, NWSL champions, in July to attend to personal matters, according to the club's statement. Gonzalez stated her decision was strictly personal and expressed that New York-based Gotham would always hold a special place in her heart.
However, Al Qadsiah's announcement of her signing sparked criticism from Gotham fans regarding the nature of her departure and concerns for her safety from the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Gonzalez has since removed photos of herself with her wife and their child from social media. Gonzalez's move is not the first to face negative reactions in Saudi Arabia, with England's Jordan Henderson also facing criticism for his transfer to Al-Ettifaq in 2023.
The move was seen as a "slap in the face" by openly gay footballer Jake Daniels, who had received Henderson's support when he came out. Gonzalez won multiple titles with Gotham FC before her departure, while Al Qadsiah finished fourth in the 2025-26 Saudi Women's Premier League. Gotham FC did not comment on the matter when contacted by BBC Sport.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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