Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, has officially joined the London City Lionesses, marking one of the most significant signings in the history of the Women's Super League (WSL). The decision to move to London comes after Putellas spent 14 years with Barcelona, where she achieved unprecedented success, including 38 major trophies. Her departure from the Catalan club, where her contract had expired, signals a desire for a new challenge and a move she had long considered.
Putellas' career with Barcelona saw her reach her peak in 2021 and 2022, earning back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury just before the Euro 2022 tournament presented a significant setback, but she recovered to help Spain win the World Cup in 2023 and was part of the squad that finished as runners-up in Euro 2025. Having achieved nearly every possible accolade with Barcelona, including captaining the team to Champions League victory in 2026, sources suggest she felt the time was right for a change.
The prospect of moving to the WSL had reportedly always appealed to Putellas. Despite interest from numerous top global clubs, London City Lionesses pursued her persistently. She received offers from clubs in England, Mexico, and the United States, with Boston Legacy noted as a primary competitor.
Sources close to Putellas indicate that she was drawn to the ambitions of US billionaire Michelle Kang, owner of the London City Lionesses. Kang has been a long-standing figure in women's football, having previously owned the successful French club Lyon, a club that had been a rival to Barcelona in European competitions. Putellas and Kang first met four years ago in Miami, discussing their shared visions for the future of the sport. Putellas expressed a desire to join a club where she could have an impact both on and off the pitch, aiming to leave a lasting legacy that contributes to the growth of women's football.
This move means Putellas will forgo Champions League football this season. However, London City Lionesses have outlined a five-year plan that includes competing for trophies and aiming for European qualification spots in the WSL. With the next World Cup on the horizon, the three-year deal in Bromley secures Putellas' future as she looks to settle ahead of the 2027 tournament.