Esther González is heading to Saudi Arabia. The 33-year-old Spanish forward signed with Al Qadsiah of the Saudi Women's Premier League on Saturday, just weeks after parting ways with Gotham FC.
Question Arise as Esther Signs with Saudi Women's Premier League
González and Gotham FC mutually agreed to terminate her contract on July 27th, with the club citing personal matters in Spain. The striker recently welcomed her first child with partner Estefanía Cruz, and her departure from the NWSL implied she'd be taking time away from the sport.
Yet the move to Al Qadsiah came quickly, faster than Gotham FC expected, according to Sports Illustrated writer Jenna Tonelli.
So, yeah. League sources tell me that Gotham did not expect Esther to sign with another club this soon. Makes sense, since all of the communications from the club around her departure were that she was leaving to attend to personal matters in Spain. 🤷🏻♀️
— Jenna Tonelli (@jennatonelli) August 23, 2026
Esther Brings NWSL, World Cup Titles to Al Qadsiah
Still, the forward leaves behind a loaded résumé in New Jersey. She scored the championship-clinching goal during Gotham FC's first NWSL title run in 2023 and added a second ring in 2025. Along the way, she earned two NWSL Best XI selections and an MVP finalist nod.
Before joining the NWSL, González won the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with Spain and later helped her country claim the 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League title.
Now she joins an Al Qadsiah squad coached by Giles Barnes, a former Orlando Pride assistant. Brazilian international Adriana is also on the roster. The Saudi Women's Premier League continues to draw top international talent, and González's arrival adds even more star power to the growing league.
