How often do you witness a defender scoring a hat-trick? It’s a rare feat, but Ashleigh Plumptre has the distinction of doing just that on her debut. Just a month after signing with Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, Plumptre made an unforgettable entrance by netting all three goals in a commanding 3-0 victory over Eastern Flames in the season opener. Now, having recently extended her contract with the club, the English-born Nigerian center-back sat down with NDTV on the sidelines of the Saudi Arabian women’s national team’s friendly against Indonesia in Jeddah.
During the conversation, Plumptre reflected on her journey—from her early playing days in the United States after turning professional, to returning home to represent her beloved Leicester City, experiencing the thrill of playing in a World Cup, and her ongoing commitment to advancing women’s football in the Middle East.
“I started playing football when I was four years old. I always played with girls, which wasn’t common for a lot of players my age. Many of them grew up playing with boys. I was in Sunday league football until I was about eight before joining an academy. At 16, I entered the pro league in England, then moved to the US to continue my development. A few years later, I returned home to play for my hometown club, Leicester City,” Plumptre shared with NDTV.
She also spoke about her unforgettable World Cup experience, describing it as a career-defining moment. “The World Cup was such a massive experience for me. I never imagined I’d play in one, let alone represent Nigeria. That in itself was an honor. Playing against England, the country of my birth, made it even more special. I knew so many of the players on that team—either from playing with them or against them growing up. That match was one of the most memorable of my life. Even though we lost on penalties, I wasn’t devastated. Instead, I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity and proud of how hard we pushed England.”
Now 26, Plumptre is thriving in the Middle East, representing Al-Ittihad, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs. Making the switch from England’s Women’s Super League to the Saudi Women’s Premier League came with its challenges, but she embraced them head-on. She wasted no time in making an impact, scoring a hat-trick on her debut. Not stopping there, she repeated the feat in her first Jeddah derby against Al-Ahli last year, further cementing her reputation as a key player for her club.
“I’ve been here for about a year and a half now, and I’m really enjoying it. There’s a real sense of purpose in being here. I love the culture, the lifestyle, and the new perspectives I’m gaining. Football has always been more than just a sport to me; it’s been a gateway to new experiences, learning about different people and places. When I arrived, I never expected to score a hat-trick on my debut. Back at my previous club, I had only scored three goals in over three years, so bagging three in a single match was definitely a surprise!” she admitted.
Beyond her contributions on the pitch, Plumptre has also become a role model for aspiring female footballers in Saudi Arabia. She regularly attends Saudi women’s national team matches, offering her support to both the national side and her Al-Ittihad teammates. Her presence and encouragement underscore her dedication to growing the women’s game in the region.
“We’re here to support the Saudi national team girls, and for me, that’s really important because several of my Al-Ittihad teammates play for them. Seeing their progress in such a short time has been incredibly rewarding. They get exposure to different styles of play with the national team and bring those insights back to us. When I first arrived, I didn’t know any of these players, but now I have a deeper appreciation for their journey and the challenges they face. While I’m here, my goal is to continue improving myself, helping those around me, and contributing to the overall growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East,” Plumptre emphasized.
With her undeniable talent, leadership, and commitment to the sport, Ashleigh Plumptre is not just making headlines—she’s helping shape the future of women’s football in a region where the game is rapidly evolving.
