Two years after leaving England for a bold new chapter in Saudi Arabia, Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre says her journey with Al-Ittihad has brought her “peace, purpose, and perspective.”

 

In 2023, when the offer from Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al-Ittihad first came, Plumptre’s instinct was to turn it down. Her contract with Leicester City had just ended, but she wasn’t looking for a typical transfer—she wanted something more meaningful.

 

“It wasn’t about money,” she told BBC Sport. “It was about purpose.”

 

That purpose took shape after a visit to Jeddah, where she met with club officials and was struck by their sincerity and long-term vision. The move would make her the first player to transfer from the English Women’s Super League to the Saudi Women’s Premier League, a decision that drew both praise and criticism.

 

Now 27 years old, Plumptre has extended her stay in Saudi Arabia and says life there is far from the stereotypes often portrayed in Western media.

 

“Life here is peaceful and surprisingly calm,” she said. “I feel safer and more at ease than I did in the UK.”

 

Still, her decision sparked backlash, especially from some LGBTQ+ fans who felt hurt by her move to a country with strict laws on sexuality and gender expression.

 

“That was difficult,” Plumptre admitted. “I understand their feelings, but my move doesn’t mean I support everything about the country.”

 

On the field, the Nigerian international acknowledges that the Saudi women’s league is still in its early stages. Attendance is modest, and there’s a notable gap in experience between local players and foreign signings.

 

“The standard isn’t what I was used to, but we’re building something special,” she said.

 

With Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a future host for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Plumptre believes her presence—and that of other experienced players—can help accelerate the development of women’s football in the region.

 

“The focus should be on growth—step by step, the right way.”

 

From taking a leap of faith to becoming a symbol of cultural bridge-building, Ashleigh Plumptre’s story is no longer just about football. It’s about finding meaning in unlikely places—and helping shape a sport’s future far from home.