Alexia Putellas joins London City Lionesses in high-profile WSL move

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas held her first English press conference in Maidstone after signing for London City Lionesses, saying she is fully committed to the club and eager to test her limits as a player ahead of the season opener on 4 September.

Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner who won 38 trophies with Barcelona and helped Spain win the 2023 World Cup, described leaving Champions League football to join an independent, women-only London City as a deliberate step to embrace a new project and mentality.

Born in Mollet del Vallès in the province of Barcelona, Putellas traced her development from watching matches at the Nou Camp and training at La Masia to returning to Barcelona in 2012, beginning a 14-year spell at her childhood club during which she won 10 league titles and four European cups.

Reflecting on her career, Putellas said she remains driven to improve day by day and highlighted how recovering from an ACL injury before Euro 2022 changed her perspective, making her value learning and growth alongside competition.

Her manager Eder Maestre and teammates note her influence on the training pitch, with Putellas explaining that she uses passes as a form of “football language” to direct teammates and anticipate game situations—skills she attributes to Barcelona’s style of play.

Off the pitch, Putellas is adapting to life in London, searching for an apartment, learning English and navigating local routines such as driving and shopping. She has been welcomed by WSL peers and teammates including Jana Fernández and fellow Spaniard Mapi León, and mentioned a postponed dinner with Keira Walsh.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The move signals Putellas trading continental competition for a leadership role within a nascent, independent London City project; she frames the transfer as an opportunity to contribute experience, test her limits and help the club grow while maintaining personal ambitions to improve and compete.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Alexia Putellas completed a transfer to London City Lionesses and addressed English media in Maidstone.
• Putellas won back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards (2021, 2022), 38 trophies with Barcelona and was part of Spain’s 2023 World Cup-winning squad.
• She emphasized commitment to the new project, her drive to keep improving, and her ongoing adaptation to life and language in England.