Official: London City Lionesses Sign Two-Time Ballon d’Or Winner Alexia Putellas

London City have pulled off one of the biggest signings in women’s football history, announcing the arrival of Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner and Spain World Cup champion. The club confirmed the move as a “landmark moment,” with Putellas joining the Barclays Women’s Super League side after leaving Barcelona.

The transfer immediately elevates London City’s profile ahead of their new WSL chapter. Putellas is not just a marquee name; she is one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game, bringing elite standards, Champions League experience, leadership, and global star power to a club that is building aggressively under Michele Kang’s ownership.

London City Confirm Landmark Signing

London City’s official announcement described Putellas’ arrival as a major step forward for the club and confirmed she will wear the No. 11 shirt. The club highlighted her status as a World Cup champion, two-time Ballon d’Or winner, and multiple-time Women’s Champions League winner.

Putellas said: “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with London City Lionesses.” She added that the club’s ambition and commitment to growing as a women-only independent club “resonate deeply” with her.

Why She Chose London City

Putellas framed the move as both a sporting and structural decision. In her official comments, she said she wants to make an impact on the pitch as London City challenge for titles, while also working with Michele Kang to elevate women’s football in England and globally.

Speaking separately, Putellas said the decision was “easy” because she wants to compete every week and play in a league as competitive as England’s. That competitive motivation is central to the move: this is not a farewell tour, but a new challenge for a player still aiming to win at the highest level.

Michele Kang’s Statement of Intent

London City owner Michele Kang called the signing more than just a transfer. She said Putellas represents “the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and vision in women’s football,” and described her decision to join London City as a powerful endorsement of the project being built at the club and across the wider Kynisca ecosystem.

Kang also said the signing is a “bold statement about the future of the sport,” with London City aiming to compete at the highest levels while creating new commercial opportunities and development pathways for female athletes.

Alexia Putellas’ Barcelona Legacy

Putellas leaves Barcelona after a trophy-filled spell that made her a club legend. Sky Sports reports she departed the Catalan club in May after 14 years, having helped spearhead Barcelona’s unprecedented domestic and European success.

CBS Sports reported that Putellas won 38 titles with Barcelona, including four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and 10 Liga F titles. In her final Barcelona season, she helped lead the club to another quadruple and finished with 21 goals and 13 assists.

Career Highlights

What She Brings to London City

Putellas is a creative midfielder with elite passing range, game intelligence, and goal threat. She can dictate tempo, unlock compact defences, and arrive in scoring positions from midfield. Beyond technical ability, she brings championship standards to a London City squad aiming to establish itself at the top level.

On-Pitch Impact

Why This Move Matters

London City secured promotion to the WSL under Kang’s leadership, and the club says Putellas’ arrival is expected to drive significant growth in fan engagement and attendance. The signing also strengthens the club’s academy and youth development ambitions through mentorship and inspiration.

For the WSL, this is a major credibility moment. One of the greatest players of her generation choosing London City shows the pulling power of English women’s football and the scale of Kang’s project.

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