One of women’s football’s most exciting talents is heading to France. OL Lyonnes is delighted to announce the signing of Spanish forward Salma Paralluelo on a four-year contract, with the 22-year-old joining the club until 30 June 2030. The free agent ends a glittering four-year spell in Catalonia, where she won 14 major trophies, to embark on her first career adventure outside of Spain under former manager Jonatan Giráldez.
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Who is Salma Paralluelo?
Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono was born on 13 November 2003 in Zaragoza, Spain. Born in Zaragoza, the forward came through the ranks at her hometown club before making her debut in the Primera Federación FutFem — Spain’s second division — at the age of 15.
Alongside her football development, Salma also excelled in athletics, winning numerous national and European titles from U14 to U20 level. Determined to pursue both passions, she continued to combine football and athletics while playing for Villarreal CF, where she first emerged as one of Spain’s brightest young talents.
It was only after joining FC Barcelona in 2022 that Salma decided to dedicate herself fully to football.
She is the only player in history, regardless of gender, to win the U-17, U-20 and senior World Cups.
Career Timeline
| Club | Years | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Zaragoza CFF B | 2017–2018 | Grassroots development |
| Zaragoza CFF | 2018–2019 | Segunda División debut at 15 |
| Villarreal Femenino | 2019–2022 | 37 apps, 23 goals |
| FC Barcelona | 2022–2026 | 131 apps, 72 goals, 15 trophies |
| OL Lyonnes | 2026–2030 | Free Transfer — Confirmed |
Four Glittering Years at Barcelona
Striker Salma Paralluelo decided to leave FC Barcelona with her contract ending on 30 June 2026. The player from Aragón leaves the club after a four-season spell in which she won 15 trophies: three Champions Leagues, four league titles, three Copas de la Reina, four Super Cups and a Copa Catalunya.
On an individual level, Paralluelo scored 72 goals in 131 appearances after coming to Barça as an 18-year-old from Villarreal. Explosive and powerful, she also showed her versatility, playing on both wings, and even at left back, as well as at centre forward.
Her most prolific season came in 2023–24. Paralluelo’s switch to France sees her reunite with Giráldez, the manager who oversaw the most prolific campaign of her career when she registered 34 goals and seven assists during the 2023–24 season in Catalonia.
She signed off at Barcelona in the most spectacular fashion. On 23 May 2026, she scored two late goals in a 4–0 victory over Lyon in the Champions League final, sealing her club’s fourth title in the competition.
Barcelona Career Stats (Season by Season)
| Season | Apps | Goals | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 30 | 15 | Liga F & UCL winner |
| 2023–24 | 36 | 34 | Continental quadruple |
| 2024–25 | 31 | 13 | Liga F title |
| 2025–26 | 17 | 6 | UCL Final (2 goals vs Lyon) |
| Total | 114 | 69 | 15 Trophies |
Barcelona Honours Won by Paralluelo
| Trophy | Times Won |
|---|---|
| UEFA Women’s Champions League | 3 |
| Liga F | 4 |
| Copa de la Reina | 3 |
| Spanish Super Cup | 4 |
| Copa Catalunya | 1 |
| Total | 15 Trophies |
International Career
She has been capped 51 times at the international level by Spain since her debut in 2022, winning the 2023 World Cup and reaching the 2025 European Championship final.
She also won world titles at under-17 in 2018 and under-20 in 2022, and is a left winger who previously excelled in junior athletics, notably over 400 metres and 300 metres hurdles.
She made a huge impact from off the bench at the senior World Cup, becoming Spain’s youngest player to score at a Women’s World Cup. Her exceptional performances and crucial goals in the knockout stages against the Netherlands and Sweden earned her a starting place in the final.
She was named the Best Young Player at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
International Honours
| Tournament | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| U-17 Women’s Euro | 2018 | Winner & MVP |
| U-17 Women’s World Cup | 2018 | Winner |
| U-20 Women’s World Cup | 2022 | Winner & MVP |
| FIFA Women’s World Cup | 2023 | Winner — Best Young Player |
| UEFA Women’s Euro | 2025 | Runner-Up |
| Olympic Games Paris | 2024 | 4th Place |
Why Paralluelo Left Barcelona
The 22-year-old left Barcelona as a free agent this summer after declining to sign new terms with the Liga F club. The move marks the former sprinter’s first spell outside her native Spain, mirroring the summer departures of former team-mates Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, and Ona Batlle.
Why OL Lyonnes Won the Race
She attracted interest from multiple parties around Europe and the NWSL, rejecting an offer from eight-time Women’s Super League champions Chelsea, before moving to France. According to multiple sources, the London club would not engage with the salary demands of the player, which exceeded £1 million per annum.
Despite interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, Salma Paralluelo has chosen to join the OL Lyonnes project as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in her career and continues her development at the highest level.
The reunion with Giráldez proved decisive. Giráldez led Barcelona to a domestic treble in the 2021–22 season, a treble including the Champions League in the 2022–23 season, and a continental quadruple in the 2023–24 season. Taking 10 of the 12 available trophies in his time as head coach, Giráldez’ Barcelona Femení was considered dynastic.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono |
| From | FC Barcelona (Free Agent) |
| To | OL Lyonnes |
| Transfer Fee | Free Transfer |
| Contract Until | 30 June 2030 |
| Contract Length | Four Years |
| Age | 22 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Position | Forward / Left Winger |
| Height | 1.74m (5ft 9in) |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Manager | Jonatan Giráldez |
A Fourth and Final Summer Signing for Lyon
The club announced on Saturday that Paralluelo is their fourth and final recruit of the window after refusing to extend with European champions Barcelona. She follows goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs from Bayern Munich, midfielder Caroline Weir from Real Madrid and winger Johanna Rytting Kaneryd from Chelsea.
Kadidiatou Diani has departed to London City Lionesses. The club have also let Alexia Putellas and Mapi Leon join London City Lionesses, Michele Kang’s other club, and Ona Batlle move to Arsenal.
OL Lyonnes’ Key Summer Arrivals (2026/27)
| Player | From | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Caroline Weir | Real Madrid | Midfielder |
| Maria Luisa Grohs | Bayern Munich | Goalkeeper |
| Johanna Rytting Kaneryd | Chelsea | Winger |
| Salma Paralluelo | Barcelona (Free) | Forward |
OL Lyonnes: Club Overview
OL Lyonnes’ 2025–26 season saw the club win the Première Ligue, Coupe de France, Coupe LFFP and reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, with Tabitha Chawinga finishing as top scorer with 17 goals across all competitions.
OL Lyonnes is thrilled to welcome one of the world’s finest attacking talents, following the arrivals of Caroline Weir, Maria Luisa Grohs and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. Her signing further strengthens Jonatan Giráldez’s squad and once again underlines OL Lyonnes’ lofty ambitions for the seasons ahead.
Official Unveiling
The club’s new signings will join their Lyon teammates for the resumption of training on Monday 27 July and will be officially presented to supporters and the media on Friday 31 July 2026.
Read More: Bologna Agree Loan Deal to Sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma Until June 2027
FAQs
How much did OL Lyonnes pay for Salma Paralluelo?
Paralluelo arrives as a free agent after bringing her time at Barcelona to an end amid failed contract talks. The move cost Lyon nothing in transfer fees, making it one of the most significant free transfers in the history of women’s football.
What trophies did Paralluelo win at Barcelona?
The player from Aragón leaves the club after a four-season spell in which she won 15 trophies: three Champions Leagues, four league titles, three Copas de la Reina, four Super Cups and a Copa Catalunya.
Is this Paralluelo’s first club outside Spain?
At just 22 years old, Salma Paralluelo has chosen the OL Lyonnes project for the first move of her career outside her native Spain. She previously played for Zaragoza CFF, Villarreal and Barcelona before making the move to France.
Why is the reunion with Giráldez significant?
Paralluelo’s switch to France sees her reunite with Giráldez, the manager who oversaw the most prolific campaign of her career when she registered 34 goals and seven assists during the 2023–24 season in Catalonia. Their connection was a major factor in her choosing Lyon.
What individual records does Paralluelo hold?
She is the only player in history, regardless of gender, to win the U-17, U-20 and senior World Cups. She was named the Best Young Player at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and finished third in the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
