Esther Gonzalez, Al Qadsiah and Gotham FC
27 August 2026
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has signed for Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Qadsiah, drawing criticism from Gotham FC supporters and parts of the LGBTQ+ community. Gotham had mutually terminated her contract in July for stated personal reasons.
The criticism centres on the messaging around Gonzalez’s Gotham departure, the lost transfer fee and Saudi Arabia’s laws against same-sex relationships. The 33-year-old joined Al Qadsiah after winning multiple trophies during three seasons with Gotham.