The surprising transfer that sparked a storm: World champion deleted personal photos
Esther Gonzalez left the USA for Saudi Arabia's Al-Qadsiah, and shortly after, several photos with her partner and daughter disappeared from the web. The move sparked sharp criticism among fans and LGBTQ+ community activists.
Esther Gonzalez, a world champion with the Spanish national team, has completed a surprising move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Qadsiah — a step that is already causing a major storm on social media. Beyond the choice to play in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal, attention has also turned to her online activity: shortly after the move became official, the striker deleted several photos in which she appeared with her partner and their daughter, who was born this past January.
The move sparked criticism from fans and activists in the LGBTQ+ community, some of whom interpreted the deletion of the photos as an attempt to align her personal life with the norms and laws practiced in Saudi Arabia. However, as of now, it is unknown if this is indeed the reason for the move.
The transfer is also surprising given the way her chapter at Gotham FC ended. About a month ago, Gonzalez asked to be released from her contract by mutual consent to return to Spain and attend to family matters. After the birth of her daughter, there were even assessments that she might take a break from her career. "Gotham will always be in my heart," she said at the time, and the club noted that she wanted to spend more time with her family. However, the break turned out to be extremely short.
Now, at nearly 34 years old, she is moving to the Saudi league, which has been investing large sums of money in recent years in an attempt to attract well-known names and promote women's football in the country. Gonzalez arrives with a highly distinguished resume: she was a partner in Spain's 2023 World Cup victory and also in Gotham's successes in the United States.
The reactions to the move were sharp. Journalist Bruno Miotto wrote:
"Esther Gonzalez moving to play in Saudi Arabia is one of the worst decisions I have seen in women's football. The strange departure from Gotham due to 'personal reasons' wasn't enough, and now she is moving to a country that oppresses women and LGBTQ+ people, a community she herself supported."
