​Spain defender Mapi Leon has signed a three-year contract with London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona. The 31-year-old spent nine seasons with Barcelona and started in their 4-0 victory over Lyon in this year’s Women’s Champions League final, which secured their fourth European title. Over her time with Barcelona, Leon collected 27 trophies as part of one of Europe’s most successful clubs, and she will reunite with former Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas at London City.
Leon has earned more than 50 caps for Spain and contributed to their Nations League title win in 2025. “I’m excited and happy to be here. It’s an interesting and attractive project. I have seen what is being built and what is taking shape,” she said. A feature has previously explored Putellas’ move to London City, highlighting the transition from Barcelona to Bromley. Leon explained, “I played in Spain for many years and felt now was the right time to move given the project. The English league is helping women’s football grow. I wanted to test myself in another country, in another league, and play a different type of football.”
Leon’s decision to join London City comes amid a period of notable upheaval for the Spain national team. She boycotted the national team for nearly three years, amid disagreements over working conditions and a falling-out with the Spanish Football Federation that began in 2022. She withdrew from selection for the 2023 Women’s World Cup as Spain went on to defeat England in the final, and she missed the Euro 2025 final defeat. The centre-back returned to duty in October 2025 and started the Nations League final in November as Spain beat Germany 3-0.
London City Lionesses, backed by American billionaire Michele Kang, finished sixth in their inaugural WSL season. The club has set ambitious aims of challenging for European qualification this season and has enjoyed a remarkable transfer window. Putellas and England’s Mary Earps have already joined, along with Germany’s Nicole Anyomi and Denmark’s Janni Thomsen. Leon said, “Kang is an inspirational woman who wants women’s football to develop and thrive. Of course, I want to be part of something like this, a club that has been created for women. My teammates will help me settle into the new environment, and I hope my experience and leadership can help the team this season. I want to keep winning and remain determined to achieve this. Hopefully we can do this with London City Lionesses.”