Ashleigh Plumptre’s Saudi Move: Personal Choice, Public Debate

A Bold Step: Leaving Leicester for Saudi Arabia

When Ashleigh Plumptre, a thoughtful and driven defender, finished her contract with Leicester City in 2023, she faced a crossroads. While offers from clubs in the UK, US, and Europe arrived, it was an unexpected inquiry from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad that truly challenged her perceptions. Initially, her reaction was clear: “no.” But as she spoke with her father and agent, Tim Plumptre, and engaged in lengthy conversations with Al-Ittihad’s coach and management, her perspective shifted. What started as skepticism evolved into curiosity and, ultimately, conviction. Plumptre says, “We barely even spoke about football, but about ourselves and what we were passionate about. I’m someone who goes off feeling and intuition.” After visiting Jeddah for two days, she left with a sense of belonging and chose to take a leap into the unknown.

The Motivations: More Than Money

The move was not, as some might suspect, about financial gain. According to The New York Times, the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL) offers prize money and salaries—ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 per year tax-free for foreign players—that rival or exceed those in England’s Women’s Super League (WSL), where the average salary is around £47,000. Yet, Plumptre insists, “the project was the main draw, rather than money.” She was seeking a club where she would be valued as a person, not just an athlete. Al-Ittihad offered her that, along with the chance to challenge assumptions about Saudi Arabia and women’s football.

Facing Controversy: LGBT Fans and Personal Regrets

Plumptre’s transfer ignited controversy, especially among women’s football’s vibrant LGBT fan base. In the West, women’s football is often a haven for inclusivity, but in Saudi Arabia, same-sex relations remain illegal. Plumptre acknowledges the pain her decision caused: “I had deeply hurt them because they feel like I am representing something which makes them not feel valued, and I understand that. I don’t really know what to say.” Her ties with Leicester’s LGBT supporters were strong, and she felt the sting of criticism. Still, she maintains, “It does not mean I condone certain things, even if the move means I am associated with certain things.”

Life in Jeddah: Safety, Freedom, and Cultural Nuance

Now settled in Jeddah, Plumptre describes her life inside a gated compound, a common arrangement for expatriates. These compounds offer amenities—gyms, pools, restaurants—and even unofficial bars, creating a bubble reminiscent of Western suburbia. “I know international players, members of my family and friends who have come out here who genuinely feel safer here and calmer than in the UK,” Plumptre shares. She recounts leaving her car unlocked while unloading groceries, something unimaginable in England. For her, Saudi Arabia’s “peace bubble” provides a unique sense of safety.

However, the broader picture is complex. Since 2018, women have been allowed to drive, and in 2019, those over 21 could apply for passports without male approval. The concept of ‘wilaya’—male guardianship—remains central, though reforms have softened its application. Organizations like Amnesty International warn that practical restrictions persist. Plumptre notes, “Men are encouraged to treat women a certain way, and there are consequences if they do not.” Yet, she is candid about the lingering fears women face everywhere, while suggesting that in Saudi Arabia, “there are lower levels based on the way men behave.”

Football in Saudi Arabia: Growing Pains and Progress

The SWPL is still finding its footing. Launched in 2022, it features 24 teams across three divisions. International stars such as France’s Kheira Hamraoui and Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala have joined, but the league’s development is uneven. Plumptre admits, “the standard is not what I’m used to in the WSL or at international level, and I worried how that would impact myself and my development.” She and her teammates, like Francisca Ordega, recognize the need to push beyond boundaries and adapt their game.

Facilities for female players have improved, with access to gyms, clinics, ice baths, and dedicated locker rooms. Training occurs in the evenings to avoid the desert heat, mirroring Plumptre’s youth academy days in Leicester. Yet, disparities remain: the men’s team enjoys state-of-the-art resources while women’s teams make do with renovated older spaces.

The Challenge of Building a Fanbase

Perhaps the most glaring issue is attendance. Most SWPL stadiums seat fewer than 15,000, and matches often attract sparse crowds. “We don’t have many fans,” Plumptre concedes, pointing to a lack of grassroots initiatives. Unlike in England, where free school tickets and family programs help fill stadiums, Saudi clubs are just beginning to address community engagement. Matches are broadcast on local networks and platforms like Shahid, with DAZN holding rights in Europe, but building local support remains an uphill battle.

The Future: Measured Steps, Not Rushed Ambitions

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in global football are growing. After securing the men’s World Cup for 2034 and partnering with FIFA through Aramco, speculation swirls about a bid to host the Women’s World Cup. Plumptre, however, urges patience: “I really care about helping these Saudi players develop and I don’t want things to happen too soon. I believe in the process, taking measurable and decisive steps—make it long-lasting.” Rushing the spotlight, she argues, would be unfair to both the players and the sport.

Plumptre’s journey is a microcosm of the tensions shaping women’s football in a rapidly changing world. Her move exposes the intersection of personal ambition, cultural realities, and the global debate over human rights and inclusivity. In the end, her story is not about clear answers, but about the courage to ask difficult questions—and the willingness to live with them.