Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women's football history, has joined London City Lionesses on a three-year deal in what the club calls one of the biggest scoops in the sport.
The Spain midfielder left Barcelona after 14 years in May, having won 38 trophies including four Champions League titles and 10 league titles. She scored a club record 232 goals in 507 appearances.
“London City Lionesses sign two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a three-year deal.”
Putellas was unveiled in New York City alongside London City's US billionaire owner Michele Kang. The move is a free transfer, with a base salary reported to be under £1m a year, rising with bonuses.
"Everything has a beginning and an end," Putellas told BBC Sport. "The history [at Barcelona] was perfect. After 14 years, I felt it was the perfect moment to leave. I need to challenge myself every season. I needed something completely different to what I lived in Barcelona."
She highlighted the club's independence: "First of all, there is no men's club behind the women's team here. It is a female owner at the club. I am in a new league - the most competitive league - that means I can push myself to my limits."
Addressing speculation that the move was financially motivated, Putellas insisted: "I know a lot of people are saying it's about money, but it is not. If it was, I wouldn't be here. It is a lot of things behind it."
London City finished sixth in their debut Women's Super League season. Owner Kang described the signing as "transformational" and "a breakthrough for a team like London City".
"It will take the club to the next level," Kang said. "I think it can help take the WSL to the next level. Certainly, the arrival of Alexia and others will help increase the competitiveness. Fans love to see competitive games and great players and that is what I'm trying to bring not just to London City Lionesses, but to the WSL. That is how you move the needle for women's sport. I'm confident it will prove to be a significant event."
BBC Sport reported last month that Putellas chose London City over Boston Legacy, the final two clubs vying for her signature. She won the World Cup with Spain in 2023 and was part of the side beaten by England in the Euro 2025 final. She missed Euro 2022 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the eve of the tournament, returning to full fitness the following season.
The signing marks a seismic shift in the women's game, with a player of Putellas's calibre opting for a club without a men's team backing, and raises the question of how far London City can climb.