​Two-time Ballon d’Or winner and former Barcelona talisman Alexia Putellas has signed with London City Lionesses, marking another high-profile chapter in the Women’s Super League (WSL) under the ownership of American billionaire Michele Kang. Putellas, who left Barcelona after an outstanding 14-year spell filled with trophies, including four Champions League titles, arrives as a free agent ready to ignite a new era for a club that has quickly risen through the ranks of English football.
London City Lionesses earned promotion to the WSL for the 2024/25 campaign and made a strong impression by finishing sixth in their first season at the sport’s highest level. They are now among the most ambitious clubs in women’s football, driven by Kang’s determination to push the game forward. London City is the only wholly female-owned club competing in England’s top division, and its growth plan positions it as a credible challenger to established powerhouses such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Putellas spoke of the alignment between her own ambitions and the club’s mission, stating, “The club’s ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me.” The 32-year-old, who was named the world’s best female player in both 2021 and 2022, also contributed to Spain’s historic World Cup triumph in 2023, further underscoring her status as one of the game’s premier talents.
In a club statement, Kang described Putellas as “the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women’s football.” She added that Putellas’ decision to join an independent, women-first organization serves as a powerful endorsement of London City’s blueprint and its future direction. Putellas will join a locker room that already features notable names such as former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, France’s Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro, and Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani, creating a formidable spine for the Lionesses.
The signing is not only a landmark for London City but also a significant boost for the WSL’s global profile as the league aspires to mirror the men’s Premier League model—positioning itself as a premier destination for the world’s top female players. Putellas’ arrival signals the league’s ongoing diversification and its appeal to world-class talent seeking a platform to compete at the highest level while contributing to the growth of the women’s game.
However, despite the enhanced talent pool and the increased media attention surrounding the league, London City will not participate in the Champions League next season. England’s three clubs—City, Chelsea, and Arsenal—secure England’s three automatic spots, leaving the Lionesses to contend within domestic competitions for the time being. This reality notwithstanding, Putellas’ move is widely viewed as a major step in the WSL’s broader strategy to attract and retain elite players, elevating the competition and expanding its global footprint.
For now, Putellas will bring her acclaimed vision and leadership to a club that is keen to build not only a competitive team but also a sustainable model rooted in women-led ownership and governance. Her presence is expected to inspire younger players and attract further high-caliber signings, reinforcing London City’s status as a leading force in English women’s football. As the league continues to grow, Putellas’ decision to join London City stands as a testament to the increasing opportunities for top-tier female footballers to shape the sport’s next chapter.