Putellas joins London City Lionesses in marquee WSL move
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves Barcelona after 14 years and joins Michele Kang’s ambitious Women’s Super League club.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Alexia Putellas has signed for London City Lionesses, giving the Women’s Super League club one of the most decorated players in women’s football. The club announced the move on Wednesday, according to AFP, after the Spain international left Barcelona as a free agent.
Putellas, 32, won the women’s Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022 and was part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad in 2023. AFP reported that her move is viewed as a major signing for London City, the WSL side owned by American billionaire Michele Kang.
A Barcelona great moves to England
Putellas ends a 14-year spell at Barcelona, where AFP said she won four Champions League titles during a trophy-filled period with the Catalan club. Her arrival brings global stature to a London City team trying to close the gap on England’s established powers.
London City were promoted to the WSL in the 2024-25 season and finished sixth in their first campaign in the top division, according to AFP. The club now has ambitions to challenge sides such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
In a club statement cited by AFP, Putellas said London City’s ambition and its commitment to developing as an independent women-only club appealed to her. Kang said Putellas represented “the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women’s football” and called her decision to join a strong endorsement of London City’s project.
Kang’s project gains another star
The signing adds Putellas to a squad that already includes former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, France internationals Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro, and Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani, AFP reported. That group gives London City a strong core of experienced international players.
Kang has become a prominent investor in women’s football, and AFP described her backing as central to London City’s effort to grow. The club’s independent model, focused on the women’s game, is a key part of its identity.
Putellas’ move also raises the profile of the WSL as the league tries to attract more of the world’s leading players, AFP reported. The competition has sought to strengthen its standing in the women’s game, with England’s top clubs increasingly drawing international talent.
London City will not compete in the Champions League next season. AFP reported that Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal took England’s three places in the competition.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.