Spain's Esther González joins Saudi club after sudden Gotham exit

Spain forward Esther González signed with Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah on Sunday, August 23, less than a month after mutually terminating her contract with Major League Soccer's Gotham FC on July 27.

The 33-year-old agreed to a one-season deal with the Saudi Women's Premier League side, with an option to extend through 2027. Her swift move to Saudi Arabia surprised Gotham FC, which had announced her departure as a temporary step away from soccer to address personal matters in Spain. According to league sources, the club did not anticipate González would sign with another team so quickly given the messaging around her exit.

González departs Gotham as the club's all-time leading scorer. During her three seasons with the New Jersey-based club, she scored 30 goals and helped the team win two league titles. She was a two-time NWSL Best XI selection and a finalist for the 2025 NWSL MVP award.

The Spanish international brings significant pedigree to Al Qadsiah. Prior to joining Gotham FC, González played for Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Levante in Spain. At Real Madrid between 2021 and 2023, she scored 80 goals. At the international level, she has scored 36 goals for Spain across numerous competitions.

González was part of Spain's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup-winning squad and helped the national team win the 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League. She recently welcomed her first child with partner Estefanía Cruz.