London City Lionesses sign two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas

London City Lionesses have secured the signing of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a three-year contract, the club confirmed. The Spanish midfielder joins after 14 years at Barcelona, where she captained the team to a fourth Champions League title in her final season.

Putellas, 32, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women's football history. She leaves Barcelona with a record 38 trophies, including 10 league titles, and has scored 232 goals in 507 appearances for the club. Her move to London City represents a major coup for the Women's Super League side, which finished sixth in its debut top-flight campaign.

Why it matters

The signing underscores London City's ambitious project under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, who is investing heavily to build a competitive team. Putellas turned down interest from top clubs worldwide, including Boston Legacy, to join the independent women's club. The move is a statement of intent for both the player and the club as they aim to challenge for titles.

• Putellas joins on a free transfer after her Barcelona contract expired.
• She is believed to be London City's highest-paid player.
• Putellas won the World Cup with Spain in 2023 and played in the Euro 2025 final.
• She missed Euro 2022 due to an ACL injury but returned to win back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards in 2021 and 2022.
• London City were promoted to the Women's Super League last season.

Putellas expressed excitement about her new chapter, citing the club's commitment to growing women's football as a key factor. She will also work with Kang on youth development initiatives. The signing raises expectations for London City as they prepare for the upcoming season, with Putellas expected to make her debut in the coming weeks.