Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has signed for London City Lionesses, delivering a major statement of intent for the Women’s Super League club backed by American billionaire Michele Kang.
Putellas’ move to London City
- Putellas, a free agent after ending her 14-year, trophy-rich spell at Barcelona, has joined London City Lionesses.
- The Catalan side is where she added four Champions League titles to her glittering record, bringing her decorated career to a close.
- London City, which gained promotion to the WSL for the 2024/25 season, finished sixth in its first campaign in the top tier.
- With Kang pushing to accelerate the growth of the women’s game, London City—England’s only women-only club in the top division—now looks capable of challenging established rivals such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Putellas said the project appealed to her because of the club’s direction and its commitment to developing as an independent women-only organisation.
The 32-year-old was named the world’s best female player in 2021 and 2022, and she was also part of Spain’s squad that won the World Cup in 2023.
Kang praised the signing, describing Putellas as a benchmark for talent, commitment and ambition in women’s football, and framing her decision as a strong endorsement of what London City is building.
Who Putellas joins
Putellas is set to team up with a high-profile group including former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, French internationals Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro, and Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani.
London City’s recruitment will also add momentum to the WSL’s wider push to become a leading destination for elite women’s players, mirroring how the Premier League has established itself as the sport’s top pull in the men’s game.
There is one notable limit on the immediate stage: London City will not compete in the Women’s Champions League next season, with the WSL’s three English places going to City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
