Alexia Putellas Makes a Shock Switch to London City Lionesses

Alexia Putellas has made a major move to English football, joining London City Lionesses after the end of her contract with Barcelona. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner arrives as one of the biggest signings in the club’s history.

The 32-year-old spent 14 years at Barcelona, where she won four Women’s Champions League titles before her deal expired at the end of June. Her transfer gives London City Lionesses an immediate global profile as they continue to build after reaching the top flight.

A statement signing for an ambitious club

The Lionesses are owned by Michele Kang, who also owns OL Lyonnes, the French club Barcelona beat in the Women’s Champions League final on May 23. Kang said Putellas represents the level of talent and vision the club wants to build around.

“Alexia Putellas embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women’s football,” Kang said. “Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building.”

Putellas said the club’s ambition and its commitment to growing as an independent women-only team strongly appealed to her. She also said she hopes to make a difference on the pitch while helping push women’s football forward beyond it.

“The ambition and the firm commitment of the Lionesses to grow as an independent club exclusively for women connect deeply with me,” Putellas said. “I hope to make a difference on the pitch as we fight for titles.”

What London City Lionesses are building

The club earned promotion to the Super League in 2025 and finished sixth in the 12-team division in its first season. Putellas said she is also excited to work with Kang on youth development and on supporting the women’s game in England and globally.

“Outside the pitch, and starting from my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michele to drive women’s football in England and on the global stage,” she said.

According to AP, the move adds another headline name to a club that is trying to grow fast without the backing of a men’s side. For Putellas, it marks the end of a long era at Barcelona and the start of a new chapter in England.