Alexia Putellas joins London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has decided to join English Women's Super League club London City Lionesses on a free transfer, ending her 14-year career at Barcelona. The 32-year-old Spain international rejected offers from US clubs Boston Legacy and Gotham FC, as well as lucrative proposals from Saudi Arabia and Mexico, choosing London for its competitive league and women-focused project owned by Michele Kang. She will reunite with former teammates and may be joined by Mapi León.
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Alexia Putellas interview on London City move: 'It's a new adventure, a new chapter of my life'
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, 32, discusses her decision to leave Barcelona after 14 seasons and join London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic at The New York Times building, she reflects on her emotional farewell, her recovery from a 2022 ACL injury that changed her mentality, and her desire for new challenges. Putellas says she is at peace with leaving, motivated to find new dreams, and hopes to play until age 37 or 38. The move marks a major transfer in women's football, with Putellas citing the need for personal growth and new motivations as key factors.
Soccer - The AthleticWorld Footballer Alexia Putellas Leaves Barcelona for London City Lionesses in Sensational Transfer
In a major development in women's football, world footballer Alexia Putellas is leaving FC Barcelona to join the London City Lionesses. The transfer, reported by Bild Sport on July 9, 2026, is described as sensational. Putellas, a key figure for Barcelona's women's team, will now play for the London-based club, marking a significant shift in the sport's landscape. The move was announced via social media posts from Putellas, London City Lionesses, and other football accounts. This transfer is expected to have a substantial impact on the competitiveness of the English women's league.
BILD - SportAlexia Putellas Joins London City Lionesses After Barcelona Exit
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas has joined English Women's Super League team London City Lionesses following the expiry of her contract at Barcelona. Over 14 years playing professionally in Spain, Putellas lifted 38 trophies — including winning Liga F 10 times and four UEFA Women's Champions League titles — scoring 232 goals in over 500 appearances. ESPN reported that Putellas had several offers, including from the NWSL, but London City were always frontrunners. The decision was reportedly motivated by a desire to stay in Europe and remain close to home, but not compete regularly against Barcelona. London City's owner, Michele Kang, also owns OL Lyonnes in France and Washington Spirit in the NWSL. Putellas, 32, left Barcelona by lifting the Champions League trophy after a 4-0 victory over OL Lyonnes in the final. Kang has Champions League hopes for London City, who were only promoted to the WSL just over a year ago and finished sixth in their first full campaign in the English top flight.
Yardbarker: SoccerFrom Barcelona to Bromley: Inside Alexia Putellas' Move to London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses have secured the signing of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas from Barcelona, in what is described as the biggest transfer in Women's Super League history. The move was orchestrated by owner Michele Kang, who acquired the club in 2023. Putellas, who spent 14 years at Barcelona winning 38 major trophies, was attracted by Kang's ambitious vision for women's football and the opportunity to build a legacy both on and off the pitch. Despite offers from top clubs in England, the US (Boston Legacy), and Mexico, Putellas chose London City. Her base salary is under £1 million, with potential bonuses. The club has a five-year plan to compete for trophies and European qualification, though Putellas will forgo Champions League football this season.
BBC SportFrom Barcelona to Bromley: Inside Alexia Putellas' Record Move to London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses have signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas from Barcelona in what is described as the biggest transfer in Women's Super League history. The 31-year-old Spanish midfielder, who spent 14 years at Barcelona winning 38 major trophies including four Champions Leagues, chose the independent Bromley-based club over offers from England, Mexico, and the United States. Key factors in her decision include US billionaire owner Michele Kang's ambitious vision for women's football, a personal connection established four years ago in Miami, and Putellas' desire to build a legacy beyond playing. The three-year deal reportedly includes a base salary under £1m with performance bonuses, and Putellas has accepted forgoing Champions League football this season as part of London City's five-year plan to compete for trophies and European qualification.
BBC SportInside Alexia Putellas' Record Transfer to London City Lionesses
BBC Sport reports on Alexia Putellas' historic move from Barcelona to London City Lionesses, one of the biggest signings in Women's Super League history. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner left Barcelona after 14 years and 38 major trophies, including four Champions Leagues. She was persuaded by US billionaire owner Michele Kang's ambitious vision for the independent club from Bromley, which was playing in the second tier in 2025. Putellas cited a desire for a new challenge and the opportunity to impact the club off the pitch. She rejected offers from top clubs in England, Mexico, and the US, with Boston Legacy providing the stiffest competition. Her base salary is under £1m, with bonuses, and she has given up Champions League football this season. The three-year deal includes a likely post-playing career business partnership with Kang.
BBC SportAlexia Putellas Presented by London City Lionesses in New York: 'It Was Easy...'
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas was officially presented as a new player for London City Lionesses in a special event held in New York City. The Spanish star, accompanied by club owner and billionaire Michele Kang, confirmed her move to the Women's Super League after over a decade at Barcelona. Putellas cited the WSL's competitiveness and London City's status as an independent club focused solely on women's football as key reasons for her decision. She expressed excitement about competing every weekend and pushing her limits, while also aiming to help grow women's football globally. Kang highlighted Putellas as a role model who brings crowds to stadiums. The signing marks a major coup for the club and the league.
Fútbol en AS.comLondon City Lionesses Sign Two-Time Ballon d'Or Winner Alexia Putellas
London City Lionesses officially announced on July 8 the landmark signing of Spanish international Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion. The move marks a significant milestone for the club, which recently earned promotion to the Women's Super League under owner Michelle Kang. Putellas, who will wear the number 11 jersey, expressed excitement about joining an independent women's club with strong ambition. Owner Michelle Kang called the signing 'a clear statement about the future of the sport,' highlighting plans for commercial growth and youth development. The club is building an elite squad and will soon open a state-of-the-art training center designed for female athletes. Putellas' arrival is expected to boost fan engagement and inspire the next generation of players.
虎扑 - 足球Alexia Putellas signs for London City Lionesses
Two-time world footballer of the year Alexia Putellas has announced her departure from FC Barcelona after 14 years with the club. The 32-year-old Spanish midfielder will join London City Lionesses for the upcoming season. The move marks a significant transfer in women's football, as Putellas is one of the most decorated players in the sport, having won multiple Ballon d'Or Féminin awards and numerous titles with Barcelona. London City Lionesses, a club competing in the English Women's Championship, secures a major signing as they aim for promotion to the Women's Super League.
kicker Fußball NewsAlexia Putellas Joins London City Lionesses After Leaving Barcelona
Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner and four-time Champions League champion, has signed with the London City Lionesses as a free agent after ending her 14-season tenure with FC Barcelona. The 32-year-old Spanish star joins the English Women's Super League club owned by Michele Kang, despite the team's mid-table finish last season and lack of Champions League qualification. Putellas will wear the number 11 jersey and play alongside French internationals Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. Club owner Michele Kang praised Putellas as embodying the pinnacle of talent and vision in women's football, calling her decision a powerful recognition of the club's independent, women-first project.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footAlexia Putellas Joins London City Lionesses After Leaving Barcelona
Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner and four-time Champions League champion, has signed with the London City Lionesses as a free agent after leaving FC Barcelona. The 32-year-old Spanish star, who spent 14 seasons with Barcelona, joins the English Women's Super League club owned by Michele Kang. Despite the Lionesses' mid-table finish last season and lack of Champions League football, the club attracted one of women's football's greatest players. Putellas will wear the number 11 jersey and play alongside French internationals Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. Club owner Michele Kang praised Putellas as embodying the pinnacle of talent and dedication in women's football, calling her decision a recognition of the club's independent, women-focused vision.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footAlexia Putellas signs for London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona
Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner and four-time Champions League champion, has signed with the London City Lionesses as a free agent after leaving FC Barcelona, where she spent 14 seasons. The 32-year-old Spanish international joins the English Women's Super League club owned by Michele Kang, despite the team not qualifying for Champions League football. Putellas will wear the number 11 jersey and will play alongside French players Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. Club owner Michele Kang praised Putellas as embodying the pinnacle of talent and dedication in women's football, calling her decision a recognition of the club's independent, women-first vision.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuLondon City Lionesses Sign Two-Time Ballon d'Or Winner Alexia Putellas
London City Lionesses have signed Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, on a three-year free transfer after she left Barcelona following 14 years. The 32-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest women's footballers, won 38 trophies with Barcelona including four Champions League titles and a World Cup with Spain in 2023. She chose London City over Boston Legacy, attracted by the club's women-first independent model and the ambition of US billionaire owner Michele Kang. Putellas is now the club's highest-paid player. The signing is seen as a major coup for the newly promoted WSL side, expected to boost fan engagement, sponsorship, and youth development. London City finished sixth in their debut WSL season and aim to compete for European spots.
BBC SportLondon City Lionesses Sign Ballon d'Or Winner Alexia Putellas on Three-Year Deal
London City Lionesses have signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a three-year contract in what is described as one of the biggest transfers in women's football history. The 32-year-old Spain midfielder left Barcelona after 14 years, having won 38 trophies including four Champions League titles and 10 league titles. She was signed on a free transfer with a base salary under £1 million per year plus bonuses. Putellas was unveiled in New York City alongside club owner Michele Kang, a US billionaire. She stated the move was not about money but about seeking a new challenge in the competitive Women's Super League and playing for a club with a female owner. London City finished sixth in their debut WSL season. The signing is expected to boost fan engagement, attendance, and the club's youth development programs.
BBC SportAlexia Putellas Joins London City Lionesses: Inside the Shocking WSL Transfer
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has completed a sensational transfer from Barcelona to London City Lionesses, marking one of the biggest shocks in women's football history. The 32-year-old Spanish midfielder, who won everything at Barcelona including four Champions League titles and ten Liga F titles, chose a fresh challenge in the Women's Super League. London City, backed by owner Michele Kang, offered a lucrative contract reportedly in the £30k-a-week range, similar to Bunny Shaw's deal at Manchester City. Putellas joins a growing roster of high-profile names including Mary Earps, Kosovare Asllani, and Grace Geyoro. The club aims to fast-track to Champions League football. Putellas remains at peak form, recently scoring twice against England and being named Champions League player of the season, with a potential third Ballon d'Or on the horizon.
SkySports | NewsLondon City Lionesses confirm signing of Spanish superstar Alexia Putellas
London City Lionesses have announced the signing of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a free transfer, ending her 14-year tenure at Barcelona. The 32-year-old Spanish midfielder, a World Cup winner and four-time Champions League titleholder, joins the Women's Super League club after leaving Barcelona. Putellas was unveiled at an event in New York by club owner Michele Kang, who also owns Washington Spirit and OL Lyonnes. The signing is a major statement for the independent women's club, which finished sixth in its debut WSL season. London City has also recruited Mary Earps, Nicole Anyomi, and Janni Thomsen this summer, and is linked with Mapi León and Salma Paralluelo. Putellas cited the club's ambition and women-first ethos as key factors in her decision, noting she avoided joining direct Barcelona rivals Arsenal or Chelsea.
Football | The GuardianLondon City Lionesses confirm signing of Spanish superstar Alexia Putellas
London City Lionesses have announced the signing of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a free transfer after she left Barcelona, ending a 14-year tenure where she won four Champions League titles, 10 league titles, and 10 Spanish Cups. The 32-year-old Spain midfielder was unveiled at an event in New York by club owner Michele Kang. Putellas joins a squad that already includes new recruits Mary Earps, Janni Thomsen, and Nicole Anyomi. The club, which finished sixth in the Women's Super League in its debut top-flight season, is also expected to sign Spain defender Mapi León. Putellas stated she was motivated by the club's ambition and women-first independent model, and she chose London City over direct Barcelona rivals like Arsenal and Chelsea. Kang called the signing a bold statement about the future of women's football.
Football | The GuardianAlexia Putellas Joins London City Lionesses, Rejecting Massive Financial Offers
FC Barcelona legend and two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has decided to sign for London City Lionesses of the English Women's Super League. The 31-year-old midfielder weighed multiple offers, including a huge financial proposal from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ula and another from América de México, but chose London for sporting reasons. She will sign an indefinite contract until she decides to retire or move to a less competitive market. The club, owned by Michele Kang's Kynisca Sports International, does not play in the Champions League, which was essential as Putellas does not want to face Barcelona. Proximity to family in Barcelona and the high competitive level of the WSL were key factors. She is currently in Venezuela after an earthquake but is safe and awaiting a flight to Miami.
FútbolAlexia Putellas opts to join London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, 32, has decided to join Women's Super League club London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona, where she spent 14 years and won 38 trophies. Sources close to the player told BBC Sport she chose the South London club over Boston Legacy in the United States. Although the Lionesses are confident of completing the deal, there is no final agreement yet. Putellas scored a club record 232 goals in 507 appearances for Barcelona and won the World Cup with Spain in 2023. She joins on a free transfer with substantial wages. London City Lionesses, an independent women's club that finished sixth in their debut top-flight season, have been pursuing Putellas since January.
BBC SportTwo-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas chooses London City Lionesses over Boston Legacy
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, 32, has opted to join Women's Super League club London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona in May following 14 years. The Spain midfielder, regarded as one of women's football's greatest players, chose the South London club over Boston Legacy in the United States among many suitors. Though the Lionesses are confident of completing the deal, no final agreement has been reached yet. Putellas won 38 trophies with Barcelona including 10 league titles and four Champions Leagues, scored a club record 232 goals in 507 appearances, won the 2023 World Cup with Spain, and was a Euro 2025 runner-up. London City Lionesses, an independent club that finished sixth in their debut top-flight season, have been pursuing Putellas since January and are offering substantial wages on a free transfer.
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