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Alexia Putellas joins London City Lionesses after Barcelona exit: Two-time Ballon d’Or winner signs landmark deal
Arjun Pillai | July 9, 2026 4:49 AM CST

Alexia Putellas has officially arrived in England, with London City Lionesses confirming the sensational signing of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner following her departure from Barcelona. The move marks one of the most impactful transfers in the history of women’s football, signalling a major shift in the European football landscape.

A defining moment for London City Lionesses

London City Lionesses have made headlines across the football world by securing the services of Spanish international star Alexia Putellas. Widely regarded as one of the finest players of her generation, Putellas joins the Women’s Super League club as a free agent after leaving Barcelona, where she became a global icon and multiple-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner.

This signing represents a groundbreaking moment for the London-based side, which has been undergoing transformation under the leadership of owner Michele Kang. By bringing in a World Cup winner and two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, London City Lionesses have not merely strengthened their squad—they have added a symbol of excellence and ambition to drive their pursuit of domestic and continental success within the Kynisca global network.

Putellas embraces a new challenge in England

For Putellas, the move to London offers a fresh opportunity after achieving virtually everything possible in Catalonia. The midfielder is expected to be the cornerstone of Kang’s ambitious project, leading a team built to challenge established WSL giants. With an illustrious career that includes ten league titles and four UEFA Women’s Champions League triumphs, Putellas brings unmatched experience and a winner’s mentality to a side that recently earned promotion to the top division.

Speaking to the official London City Lionesses website, Putellas shared her enthusiasm for the move: “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with London City Lionesses. The club’s ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me. I look forward to making an impact on the pitch as we challenge for titles. Off the pitch, building on my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michele in elevating women’s football in England and on the global stage.”

Michele Kang’s visionary leadership

The arrival of Putellas underlines Michele Kang’s determination to reshape the traditional framework of English football. Since taking ownership of the club in December 2023, Kang has invested significantly in infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art training complex tailored specifically for female athletes. These efforts paid off quickly, as London City finished sixth in their debut WSL campaign in 2025–2026. Now, the addition of a global superstar like Putellas is being viewed as the final step in establishing a truly elite environment.

“Alexia Putellas embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and vision in women’s football,” Kang said at the unveiling. “Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building at London City and Kynisca. This is more than a signing—it is a bold statement about the future of the sport. Together, we aim to compete at the highest levels while creating new commercial opportunities and development pathways for the next generation of female athletes.”

Transformative impact on the WSL and world football

Putellas’ arrival in the Barclays Women’s Super League is expected to have a profound influence, both on and off the pitch. Beyond her tactical brilliance and leadership, her global appeal is anticipated to boost fan engagement and attendance across the league. London City Lionesses are positioning themselves as a forward-thinking club, with Putellas set to mentor young players and contribute to the growth of their academy and development programmes. Her presence marks a new era not only for London City but for women’s football in England as a whole.


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