Esther González Joins Al Qadsiah After Scoring 13 Goals in NWSL Season

Former Gotham FC leading scorer Esther González has signed with Al Qadsiah of the Saudi Women's Premier League following a mutual contract termination in July.

Spanish forward Esther González has officially signed with Al Qadsiah of the Saudi Women's Premier League. The 33-year-old striker arrives in Saudi Arabia less than a month after departing defending NWSL champions Gotham FC, where she was the team’s leading scorer. During the most recent regular season, González recorded 13 goals, a performance that earned her a spot as a 2025 NWSL MVP finalist. Her move follows a July announcement regarding her exit from the United States to attend to personal matters in Spain.

González leaves a significant legacy in the NWSL, having secured championship titles in both 2023 and 2025. In the 2023 NWSL Championship final, she scored the winning goal to secure the first-ever league title for Gotham FC. Beyond domestic success, the forward helped her club win the inaugural Concacaf W Championship in 2025. That victory successfully qualified the squad for the first FIFA Women's Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in 2028.

Contract Details and Departure from Gotham FC

The transition to Al Qadsiah comes after González and Gotham FC agreed to a mutual contract termination in July 2026. Prior to this agreement, the Spanish international was under contract with the New Jersey-based club through the 2027 NWSL season. The departure was characterized by mutual gratitude, with Gotham president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West stating the club wished the player and her family the best upon their return to Spain. González, who welcomed a baby with her partner in January, noted that the club would always hold a special place in her heart.

Al Qadsiah’s New Technical Direction

At Al Qadsiah, González will play under the leadership of Giles Barnes. The former Orlando Pride assistant coach took over the managerial role in Saudi Arabia earlier this summer. The club is looking to build upon a fourth-place finish achieved last season. That previous campaign was conducted under the direction of Canadian head coach Carmelina Moscato. The addition of González brings a proven winner to the roster, as she joined the NWSL originally as a 2023 World Cup champion with the Spanish national team.

Statistical Impact and Championship History

González’s tenure in the United States was defined by high-stakes production and consistent scoring. After winning the World Cup in 2023, she immediately impacted Gotham FC’s championship run later that same year. Her 13-goal regular season in 2025 served as the foundation for the team's second league title in three years. By the time of her exit in July, she remained the primary offensive threat for the defending champions. Her move to the Saudi Women's Premier League marks a new chapter for the veteran forward following her abrupt departure from the American top flight.