​LONDON (AP) — The recent exodus of players from the reigning Women’s Champions League champions Barcelona continued on Monday as Mapi León announced her move to London City Lionesses, reuniting with teammate Alexia Putellas. London City confirmed that the 31-year-old León has signed a three-year contract as a free agent after her deal with Barcelona expired. León has been a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defense, helping the team capture four Champions League titles over nine seasons, all while Putellas operated as the club’s midfield maestro. Putellas herself joined London City last week, marking a high-profile addition for the rapidly rising club, which is owned by Michele Kang, a prominent American businesswoman.
In a club statement, León spoke highly of Kang, reflecting on her leadership and the broader ambitions for women’s football: “What can I say about Michele? She is an inspirational woman who wants women’s football to develop and thrive.” The off-season at Barcelona has already seen significant changes, including Spain right back Ona Batlle leaving for Arsenal after the completion of her contract with the European champions. León, Putellas, and Batlle all began their careers together at Barcelona and were part of the squad that defeated OL Lyonnes 4-0 in the Champions League final in May; Lyonnes is also owned by Kang, highlighting Kang’s expanding footprint in women’s football.
León explained her decision to move, noting, “I played in Spain for many years and I felt now was the right time to move given the project. The English league is helping women’s football grow.” London City Lionesses finished sixth in last season’s FA Women’s Super League, marking their first season in the top tier after gaining promotion, a level of competition that has been increasingly aggressive in recent years. The club’s ascent has been part of a broader trend of investment and expansion in women’s football, with Kang’s ownership playing a pivotal role in enhancing the profile and resources available to teams within the league.
For London City, the acquisition of León adds to a lineup that already features top-tier players and a mounting sense of ambition. The move is emblematic of a wider shift in which star players who have defined European women’s football are exploring new challenges and opportunities abroad, particularly in the English league, which has been instrumental in expanding the sport’s reach and competitiveness. As León transitions to life in London and prepares to link up with Putellas once again—alongside the familiar pressure and expectations of competing at the highest level—the English season looms with anticipation for what this pairing, along with their teammates, can achieve in the years ahead.