After a series of high-profile male signings, Saudi Arabia has made its first major signing for the Women’s football League.

Ashleigh Plumptre, joined Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, after her adventure in the WSL with Leicester City.

Plumptre’s signing comes just a month after her impressive performance for the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 25-year-old defender played in all four games for Nigeria, racking up three clean sheets before the team was eventually eliminated by England in the round of 16.

Plumptre had been a highly sought-after free agent, with expectations that she would continue her career in Europe.

Her signing obviously marks an important step forward for Women’s football in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to the Nigerian’s arrival, the only player in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, who had participated in the Women’s World Cup, was Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraïdi.

Her signing obviously marks an important step forward for the game in Saudi Arabia.

The league itself was established in 2021, along with a second division, with each of the 16 clubs receiving $100,000 in funding support.

The progress of Women’s football in Saudi Arabia can also be seen in the National team’s recent achievements, as they played their first-ever match in 2022, securing a 2-0 victory against Seychelles.

It is evident that club football is being taken more seriously, with established teams like Al-Ittihad investing significant resources in their Women’s teams.

The new season of the Saudi Women’s
The Premier League is scheduled to kick off on October 13, and Plumptre’s signing could pave the way for more notable signings before the start of the season.

The momentum and support for Women’s football in Saudi Arabia continues to grow, promising an exciting future for the sport in the country.