Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has faced criticism after joining Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Qadsiah, shortly after leaving Gotham FC for what were described as personal reasons. The move matters because Gonzalez is openly gay and Saudi Arabia criminalises same-sex relationships, prompting concerns about her safety and accusations that the circumstances of her Gotham departure were unclear.

The 33-year-old, a 2023 World Cup winner, ended her Gotham contract by mutual agreement in July despite it running until 2027, meaning the club received no transfer fee. Reports say she removed social-media photographs featuring her wife and child after the Saudi move; Al Qadsiah finished fourth in the 2025-26 league season.