When Ashleigh Plumptre first received an offer from Saudi Arabia, her instinct was to decline.
In 2023, as her contract with Leicester City, the club she had supported and played for since childhood, drew to a close, the Nigeria international was seeking a new challenge — a project that would inspire her and value her beyond her abilities on the pitch.
After initial hesitation, careful discussions, and a visit to the Middle East, Plumptre made the bold decision to join Al-Ittihad, becoming the first player to move directly from the Women’s Super League (WSL) to the newly formed Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL).
Now 27 and having signed a contract extension with the Jeddah-based club, Plumptre is determined to challenge Western preconceptions about Saudi Arabia and life as a female athlete there. Yet she openly acknowledges the emotional toll of her decision — including the loss of trust from some LGBTQ+ fans — and concedes that Saudi women’s football still faces significant challenges on and off the pitch.
Plumptre is no stranger to unconventional choices. Born in England, she represented the country at youth level before switching her international allegiance to Nigeria, her paternal grandfather’s homeland.
So when her father and agent, Tim Plumptre, relayed interest from Al-Ittihad, she decided to listen — despite her initial reservations.
“I spoke to clubs in the UK, US, and Europe, and then Dad said there was a team in Saudi Arabia interested,” she told BBC Sport. “I was shocked. My first reaction was ‘no,’ but I wanted to give them a chance.”
Launched in 2022 as a fully professional competition, the SWPL features 24 teams across three divisions, with clubs permitted to sign up to six foreign players.
While the men’s Saudi Pro League has drawn global attention with high-profile signings such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, the women’s game remains in its infancy.
Plumptre insists her move was not financially motivated but inspired by the project’s potential. According to The New York Times, overseas players in the SWPL typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 (£44,000–£89,000) tax-free, with prize money higher than in the WSL. By contrast, the average WSL salary is about £47,000, though top players earn more.
“I had an hour-long call with the coach and management, and we barely spoke about football — we spoke about who we are and what drives us,” she said. “I trust my instincts, so I went to visit. After two days, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Plumptre’s decision sparked criticism. As a prominent player in her prime, her move to a nascent league surprised many — and drew backlash from segments of the women’s football community, particularly LGBTQ+ fans.
In Saudi Arabia, same-sex relationships remain illegal, and the country’s involvement in women’s football has been controversial. More than 100 players signed a letter last year urging FIFA to end its sponsorship agreement with Aramco, accusing Saudi authorities of “brutal human rights violations.”
Plumptre, who had strong ties with Leicester’s LGBTQ+ supporters, admits the reaction deeply affected her.
“When I moved, the reaction was not good — that was tough,” she said. “Some people around Leicester said I wasn’t the person they thought I was. I hurt them because they felt I was representing something that made them feel devalued. I understand that.
“It doesn’t mean I condone everything, even if my move associates me with certain things.”
Plumptre now lives in a gated compound — a common choice for expatriates in Saudi Arabia, offering Western-style facilities such as gyms, pools, and restaurants.
She says she feels safer and more relaxed in Jeddah than she did in the UK.
“Friends and family who’ve visited say they feel calmer here,” she explained. “It’s like living in a peace bubble. I’ve left my car running with the keys in it while unloading groceries — I’d never do that in the UK.
“I know my experience isn’t universal, but I can’t agree with all the perceptions the West has of this place.”
Saudi Arabia has undergone notable reforms in recent years — women have been allowed to drive since 2018 and can now apply for passports without a guardian. However, the guardianship system (wilaya), where a male relative traditionally makes decisions for a woman, remains culturally entrenched and inconsistently enforced, according to groups like Amnesty International.
Despite this, Plumptre insists she has not faced discrimination.
“I don’t feel threatened here,” she said. “Men are encouraged to treat women a certain way, and there are consequences if they don’t. Fear exists everywhere for women, but here it feels less.”
The SWPL is still developing. While it now features star names — including Asisat Oshoala at Al-Hilal and French internationals Kheira Hamraoui and Amel Majri — gaps remain in quality, infrastructure, and fan engagement.
“The standard isn’t what I was used to in the WSL or internationally,” Plumptre admitted. “It was a concern for my development. But it forces you to think differently and take more responsibility.”
Facilities are improving. Al-Ittihad, which also fields teams in volleyball, basketball, and swimming, has adapted quickly to women’s football since 2023. Players now have dedicated locker rooms, a medical clinic, and access to ice baths, though the most advanced facilities remain reserved for the men’s side.
However, attendance remains a major issue. Most SWPL stadiums hold fewer than 15,000 spectators, and matches often draw sparse crowds.
“We don’t have many fans,” Plumptre said. “It’s about building a culture — bringing children and families to games, giving out free tickets. That’s how the WSL grew.”
SWPL matches are broadcast on the Saudi Sports Company network and Shahid streaming service in the Middle East, with DAZN holding European rights.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the men’s World Cup in 2034, and its deepening ties with FIFA have sparked speculation about a Women’s World Cup bid. Plumptre believes such ambitions must be tempered by realism.
“In the near future, I’d say no,” she said. “Everything takes time. I care about helping Saudi players develop, and I don’t want things to happen too quickly. If you put them on a stage they’re not ready for, it’s unfair to them and to women’s football.”
Two years on from a decision that divided opinion, Ashleigh Plumptre remains steadfast in her belief that Saudi Arabia represents a meaningful project — one that challenges perceptions and demands patience.
Her journey is far from finished. And while she acknowledges the hurt her decision caused, she hopes her presence can contribute to a slow but meaningful transformation of the women’s game in a country still finding its place on the global stage.
