For 14 years, Alexia Putellas was at the centre of Barcelona’s rise from domestic powerhouse to European superclub. This summer, after winning the Champions League for a fourth time, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner chose to walk away from the familiar surroundings of Barcelona and into one of the most ambitious projects in the Women’s Super League. It was not a move driven by a need to prove herself.
Putellas, 32, joined London City Lionesses after leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing an extraordinary CV to a club that was only promoted to the WSL for the 2025-26 campaign. Barcelona’s former captain made 507 appearances for the Catalan club and scored 233 goals, while winning four Champions League titles, 10 league titles and 10 Copa de la Reina trophies.
Now, instead of defending another European title with Barcelona, Putellas is helping build a new one in London. Putellas had already experienced almost everything football could offer at Barcelona. She had lifted the Champions League trophy four times, won domestic titles in double figures and established herself as one of the defining players of her generation. She also became the first Spanish woman to win the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and retained the award in 2022.
So when the time came to leave, repeating the same formula was not what she wanted. “I knew that if I ever had to end my time at Barca, it wouldn’t make much sense to repeat what I’d already experienced in the next chapter, mainly because it’s impossible,” Putellas told AFP. “It had to be something completely different. It’s practically a brand-new club, with everything yet to be written, so I’m trying to bring that winning culture and mentality with me.”
That explanation captures the thinking behind the transfer. London City Lionesses represent almost the opposite of Barcelona at this stage of their development. The club is independently owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang and finished sixth in its first WSL season. Putellas joined alongside a collection of high-profile recruits including former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, France international Kadidiatou Diani and former Barcelona defender Mapi León.
From European champion to project builder. The most obvious change for Putellas is the Champions League. Barcelona lifted their fourth European title in six seasons in May, defeating OL Lyonnes 4-0 in the final. Putellas captained the side that night and finished her Barcelona career with the perfect European ending.
At London City, however, there is no Champions League campaign this season. “I already knew when I chose this project that I wouldn’t be in the competition this year,” she said. “But my last memory is perfect: lifting the trophy, being available for every match, maintaining consistency even in difficult moments. It was incredibly rewarding to finish that way.” That absence could also become an advantage. Putellas has pointed to the possibility of playing fewer matches this season as a factor in her decision, particularly with the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil approaching.
“I try to make decisions by taking everything into account, and that was one of the factors I considered,” she said. “There’s still a long way to go and my focus is on the day-to-day, but I also think that these situations are what will prepare me to give my best throughout the year so that, if the coach (Sonia Bermudez) sees fit, I can be in Brazil.” A new challenge in England. Putellas’ move also gives her the opportunity to experience a different footballing culture.
The midfielder has spoken about wanting to become a more complete player by testing herself against new opponents and adapting to the intensity of the WSL. “It will be different, but that’s why I’m here, because I’m looking forward to improving myself,” she said. “It’s being a more complete player, as much as I can. It’s about learning new things, playing with and against other players and just trying to find where my limits are.”
Her impact has already been visible. Putellas captained London City in their WSL opener against Manchester United, helping the club to a 2-1 victory. She subsequently scored in a 2-0 win over Brighton, producing a performance that suggested she is settling into her new surroundings. Putellas did not leave Barcelona to escape greatness. She left to create something new. That is what makes this transfer different from a conventional superstar move.
Putellas did not leave Barcelona after a trophy drought or a fading career. She departed immediately after helping the club win another Champions League title. Her decision was therefore less about moving away from success and more about redefining what success could look like. At Barcelona, Putellas was part of an established winning machine. At London City, she is being asked to help establish the culture itself.
London City finished sixth in their first WSL campaign and were 22 points behind the top three. Their recruitment this summer has dramatically changed the profile of the club, with Putellas at the centre of that transformation. The club’s ambitions extend beyond the pitch. London City recently announced a major Nike shirt sponsorship deal, describing it as a record agreement for women’s football. Putellas’ arrival has therefore become part of a much bigger project.
There is still another individual chapter unfolding. Putellas has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, after helping Barcelona win the league and Champions League during her final season with the club. She previously won the award in 2021 and 2022. But the midfielder has repeatedly played down the idea of simply reclaiming an award she has already won. “It’s not a question of winning it back; I’ve never felt it was mine in the first place.”
Instead, her immediate challenge is straightforward. “I’m hungry to win, to be better day after day, to fight with my teammates for the victory. I’m going to try to give my best to the team and let’s see at the end of the season how good we were.” After 14 years of building history at Barcelona, Alexia Putellas has chosen a very different challenge. She is no longer walking into a club with a winning culture already established.
