Nigeria international and former Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre has spoken candidly about the backlash and emotional toll following her move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad, becoming the first player to switch from England’s Women’s Super League (WSL) to the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL).
Plumptre, 27, revealed that when the Saudi offer first came in, her instinct was to reject it. But after visiting Jeddah and meeting the club’s management, she changed her mind — not for money, but for what she describes as a meaningful project where she felt valued as a person.
“My initial reaction was no,” she said. “But I wanted to give them a chance. When I visited for two days, I really liked it and thought, ‘this is where I want to be.’”
Her move, however, stirred controversy among some fans — especially members of the LGBT community, who felt disappointed by her decision to play in a country where same-sex relationships remain illegal.
“When I moved here, the reaction was not good at all,” Plumptre admitted. “Some people felt I was no longer the person they thought I was. I understand why they feel hurt. It doesn’t mean I condone everything — but I also can’t ignore how valued and safe I feel here.”
Life in Saudi Arabia
Now settled in Jeddah, Plumptre says she feels “happier and safer” than she did in the UK. Living in a gated compound, she describes her life as peaceful and secure.
“I can leave my car unlocked with the keys inside — something I’d never do in the UK,” she explained. “Here, I feel calm. There’s a sense of safety I can’t deny.”
She acknowledges, however, that Saudi Arabia still has a long way to go regarding women’s rights and freedom, though reforms like women being allowed to drive and travel independently have made a difference.
Growing Women’s Football in Saudi Arabia
Since joining Al-Ittihad, Plumptre has witnessed both progress and challenges in Saudi women’s football. Facilities are improving, but fan engagement remains low.
“We don’t have many fans,” she said. “There’s a lack of community outreach — no school initiatives or free tickets for families. That’s something the league needs to build.”
The Saudi Women’s Premier League, founded in 2022, currently has 24 teams and allows six foreign players per club. Despite increased investment — including stars like Asisat Oshoala joining Al-Hilal — Plumptre admits that the standard of play and pace are still developing compared to Europe’s top leagues.
“The standard is not what I’m used to, but that gives me a new responsibility — to help others grow and raise the level of the game,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Plumptre remains committed to her role in helping Saudi women’s football evolve but believes it’s too soon for the country to host a Women’s World Cup.
“It’s not about rushing. If Saudi Arabia hosts too early, it could be unfair to the players. Progress should be steady and meaningful.”
From Leicester to Jeddah, from controversy to conviction, Ashleigh Plumptre continues to redefine her career on her own terms — balancing her integrity, identity, and influence as one of the most talked-about figures in modern women’s football.
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