Esther Gonzalez: Backlash as Gay World Cup Star Joins Saudi Club
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Fan backlash as gay World Cup star joins Saudi club
- Image source: Getty Images
- Image caption: Gonzalez was a member of the Spain squad who finished as runners-up to England at Euro 2025
Published 5 hours ago
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has attracted backlash after signing for Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al Qadsiah.
The 33-year-old agreed a mutual contract termination with National Women’s Soccer League champions Gotham FC in July, citing "personal matters" in Spain.
However, on Sunday, Al Qadsiah announced Gonzalez’s signing, sparking criticism from both Gotham fans and the LGBTQ+ community due to Saudi Arabia’s laws against same-sex relationships.
Fans on social media questioned her motivations and expressed concerns for her safety, while Gotham supporters voiced disappointment over her exit.
According to El Mundo, Gonzalez has deleted all photos of herself with her wife and child from her social media accounts since joining Al Qadsiah.
Gonzalez, who won the 2023 World Cup, is not the first footballer to face backlash for moving to Saudi Arabia; England’s Jordan Henderson received similar criticism after joining Al-Ettifaq in 2023.
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