Ellie Plumptre, a 27-year-old footballer, recently made headlines with her shift to Saudi Arabia, a decision that she initially found surprising. Born in England, Plumptre began her career by representing her country at the youth level. However, she chose to switch her international allegiance to Nigeria, inspired by her paternal grandfather’s heritage.
Plumptre’s Move to Al-Ittihad
Plumptre’s father, Tim Plumptre, who also acts as her agent, informed her about an opportunity with Al-Ittihad, a prominent team in the Saudi league. Although skeptical at first, she decided to explore this new venture. “I was shocked,” Plumptre recounted. “My initial reaction was ‘no,’ but I wanted to give them a chance.”
Women’s Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL) debuted in 2022 and has made significant strides in establishing professional football for women. The league comprises 24 teams divided into three groups of eight. Each team can recruit up to six foreign players, offering them a platform to shine. Plumptre was one of the first international stars to join this league.
Financial Aspects
The Saudi Pro League, which has garnered attention for its lavish spending on talent, includes star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. While Plumptre’s representatives have not disclosed her exact salary, reports indicate that the league’s funding comes from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), providing higher prize money than the Women’s Super League (WSL) in the UK.
Salaries for foreign players in the Saudi league range between $60,000 to $120,000 annually, tax-free, compared to the average WSL salary of £47,000, as reported in a 2022 BBC survey. Despite the appealing financial incentives, Plumptre emphasized that the project’s vision and environment were significant factors in her decision-making.
Positive Experience During Visit
Plumptre’s decision was influenced by a thorough conversation with the team’s coach and management. “I had a really good feeling about this,” she shared. Their discussion focused on personal passions rather than just football. To further assess her fit, Plumptre visited the area. After just two days there, she felt a strong connection, stating, “this is where I want to be.”
Through her journey, Plumptre exemplifies the evolving landscape of women’s football and the opportunities emerging in leagues around the globe, including the SWPL in Saudi Arabia.
