TransferThe GuardianUnverified sourceVia Jenna Tonelli· 28 Aug 2026
Esther González's Surprise Saudi Move Raises Questions
After leaving Gotham for personal reasons, the striker signs with Saudi club Al Qadsiah.
E. González
player
Player
Esther González
From
Gotham FC
To
Al Qadsiah
Contract
One season with option to extend
What happened. Esther González signed with Saudi club Al Qadsiah less than a month after leaving Gotham FC, despite saying she was stepping away from soccer for personal matters.
- Gotham announced mutual parting on 27 July, citing personal matters in Spain.
- NWSL journalist Jenna Tonelli reported Gotham did not expect her to sign so soon.
- LGBTQ+ fans raised concerns due to Saudi laws criminalizing same-sex relations.
The move has sparked debate over professionalism and the ethics of playing in Saudi Arabia.
In this story
Al Qadsia
