The Women’s Super League club acquired the two-time Ballon d’Or winner after leaving Barcelona after a 14-year career.
Published July 8, 2026
Two-time Women’s Ballon d’Or winner and Spanish forward Alexia Pteras will join Women’s Super League (WSL) club London City Lionesses, owned by American billionaire Michelle Cann, it has been announced.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, is seen as a major coup for the soccer team, which will play in the women’s top division for the first time in the 2026-27 season.
Putelas is a free agent after ending a 14-year trophy-laden career at Barcelona, where he won four Champions League titles.
London City have just been promoted to the WSL for the 2024-25 season, finishing sixth in their debut season in the top flight.
But backed by Can’s determination to transform women’s football, the only women’s club in England’s top division now poses a serious threat to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
“The club’s ambition and determination to grow as an independent, women-only club resonates deeply with me,” Puteras said.
The 32-year-old was named the world’s best female player in 2021 and 2022 and was part of the 2023 World Cup winning team.
“Alexia Putelas represents the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women’s football,” Coach Kang said in a club statement.
“Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a strong endorsement of what we are building in the City of London.”
Putelas will link up with former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, French stars Delphine Cascarino and Grace Gayolo, and Sweden’s Kosovare Aslani.
Her arrival will also significantly boost the profile of the WSL, as it aims to emulate the Premier League in the men’s game and become the go-to destination for the world’s best women’s players.
However, the Lionesses will not be playing in next season’s Champions League as City, Chelsea and Arsenal have secured England’s three spots.
