On July 9, 2026, Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, announced her decision to join the London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League (WSL), marking a significant step in her career after 14 years with Barcelona. Putellas expressed that this move represents the "biggest challenge" she has faced, allowing her the opportunity to reinvent herself.
Putellas Embraces New Challenges in WSL
During her unveiling event in New York, Putellas emphasized the importance of challenging herself and pushing her limits. She stated, "The criteria I followed [when deciding a new club] were the same as the ones I follow every season: To challenge myself, to push myself to my limits, to reinvent myself." This mindset led her to choose London City, an independent club and a young team, over the established environment she had known in Barcelona.
Putellas acknowledged the skepticism from some regarding her decision, saying, "A lot of people were asking me, 'Why do you like to complicate things like this?' I say: 'If I didn't have that, I couldn't be the player I want to be.'" This move signals her desire for continuous growth and development as a player.
London City Lionesses: A Growing Force in Women's Football
London City Lionesses have made notable strides since their promotion to the WSL, finishing sixth in their debut season. The club's owner, Michele Kang, has made significant signings to enhance the team's competitiveness, with Putellas being the standout acquisition. Kang expressed her excitement about signing Putellas, stating, "It's surreal, right? I mean like the fact she's sitting right next to me it's like, yeah, I'm back to being giddy."
