London City Lionesses sign world footballer Alexia Putellas

Putellas played 14 years for the Catalan club, making 507 appearances for Barça during that time. With 232 goals, she holds the club record and ranks among the most successful scorers in the history of Spanish women's football. Now the 32-year-old is seeking a new challenge abroad.

A women-only club

The Lionesses are the first club in the English Women's Super League to operate independently of a men's football club. This status makes the club particularly attractive to players like Putellas. "Der Ehrgeiz des Clubs und sein klares Bekenntnis, sich als unabhängiger Club ausschließlich für Frauen weiterzuentwickeln, sprechen mich sehr an", said the 32-year-old Putellas.

The London City Lionesses were promoted to the Super League in 2025 and finished sixth in their first season. With the signing of Putellas, those responsible are sending a clear signal regarding the club's further sporting development. The club, led by Michele Kang, is pursuing ambitious plans.

Career in Barcelona

Putellas' move to England marks one of the most high-profile transfers in the history of the Women's Super League. Putellas is thereby leaving the environment in which she matured into a world-class player. In Barcelona, she had assumed sporting leadership for over a decade.

For the Women's Super League, the transfer is another sign of its growing appeal to international top players. The league has gained prominence in recent years through numerous high-profile signings. With Putellas, an exceptional player is now moving to the island.

Significance for the league

The club will compete in the upcoming season in an increasingly competitive environment that also includes internationally renowned clubs such as Olympique Lyonnes. The London City Lionesses aim to use their new signing to improve on the sixth place from their debut season and establish themselves in the upper half of the table.

Putellas is expected to be officially eligible to play for the London City Lionesses following medical examinations and registration with the English FA. The coach and club management see the experience and goal-scoring threat of the Spaniard as a key factor for the upcoming tasks in the league and cup competitions.