Ashleigh Plumptre surprised many when she accepted an offer from Saudi Arabia—her first instinct was to refuse
She agreed to move to Saudi Arabia after her contract with Leicester City ended in 2023
The Nigeria international made history by becoming the first player to transfer from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL)

Ashleigh Plumptre surprised many when she accepted an offer from Saudi Arabia, although her first instinct was to turn down the offer.

At the end of her contract with Leicester City in 2023, she was seeking something more than just a club: a place where she would feel not only appreciated as a footballer but also inspired as a human being.

After much thought, conversations, and a trip to the Middle East, the Nigeria international made history by becoming the first player to transfer from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL).

Two years on, Ashleigh has agreed a contract extension with Al-Ittihad in Jeddah. She’s determined to challenge negative assumptions from the Western world about Saudi Arabia and to show what being a female athlete here is really like.

At the same time, she also regrets that some LGBT fans felt hurt by her decision. She acknowledges their disappointment and realizes she has lost some of their trust.

How Did Ashleigh Plumptre Turn to Saudi Arabia?

When the offer first arrived, Ashleigh Plumptre reacted with “no.” But she didn’t stop there. Her father, who also serves as her agent, told her Al-Ittihad was interested.

Although she had been exploring potential moves in the UK, US, and Europe, this caught her off guard. She listened, met with the team’s staff, spoke about their shared values—not just football—and gradually warmed to the idea.

Her visit to Saudi Arabia sealed it. After spending a couple of days in Jeddah, she sensed a connection: the people, the surroundings, even the conversations excited her. She left thinking that’s where she wanted to be.

For Ashleigh Plumptre, it was never just about wages or fame—it was about purpose.

How Did Ashleigh Overcome Criticism?

Moving to the SWPL hasn’t been without its challenges. Ashleigh Plumptre was aware of the controversies. The SWPL league, established 2022, still has many practices developing, and there are serious ethical questions surrounding LGBT rights and cultural norms in Saudi Arabia.

She’s heard the criticisms and recognizes that many supporters, especially from the LGBT community, felt abandoned or misrepresented by her move.

Still, Plumptre told BBC Africa Sport that making this decision didn’t mean she condoned everything in the system. She says she never intended to hurt anyone, and she understands the hurt her supporters felt.

But she also believes that she can use her platform to foster change and show nuance that life in Saudi Arabia is not monolithic. That the real, lived experience might surprise people who only see headlines.

How is Life in Saudi Arabia for a Pro-LGBT Crusader?

Ashleigh Plumptre has found that life in Jeddah, especially within the compounds many foreigners live in, feels safer and quieter in some ways than what she knew back in the UK.

These compounds offer amenities—parks, pools, gyms, shared spaces—that build a micro-community where she doesn’t have to worry constantly. She says she feels more at peace, and that has been refreshing.

Training also fits more closely with her needs. Evening sessions when the weather cools are better, so are separate training facilities, and improved infrastructure.

Some of the early facilities weren’t up to the standard she was used to, but over time, improvements have come.

Dressing rooms, medical clinics, even fields have been upgraded. Plumptre also notices the contrast in fan culture. Games often draw fewer spectators, and community initiatives that nurture young fans—especially girls—are still rare. She sees that as a gap she hopes she can help close.