Momentarily, Alexia Putellas appeared somewhat nervous as she stepped into a cramped conference room at a Kent hotel, greeted by 23 reporters eager to hear from the Women’s Super League’s newest global superstar. She quickly composed herself, however, and within minutes was at ease, even joking about her quest for the perfect roast dinner and laughing off warnings from friends at other English clubs who claimed they would be kicking her on the pitch. This introduction marked her official arrival in the WSL.
Speaking in English throughout the 20-minute session, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner and four-time Champions League champion explained her decision to leave the prestige of Barcelona. After 14 years of being idolized at the Spanish club, she has moved to a team that finished 22 points outside the European qualification spots last season. Her transition is part of a broader shift for the London City Lionesses, who are backed by businesswoman Michele Kang and have recently secured high-profile signings including Kadidiatou Diani, Mapi León, and Mary Earps.
Putellas stands out as the most significant acquisition, signaling a major shift in the profile of the club. When asked how her serial-winning mentality aligns with a project that is still chasing its first major trophy, she remained focused. “Both can live together, my mentality and the moment of the project. I’m going to bring to the project whatever the project needs from me, so I’m 100% committed,” the 2023 World Cup winner stated. “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.”
London City Lionesses earned promotion to the WSL in 2025 and finished sixth in their top-flight debut. Regarding her expectations for the upcoming campaign, Putellas noted, “I don’t have expectations. I just want the hard work we are doing to speak for itself. It’s a hard competition. Of course, I have a competitive mind and I want to win every game. But I don’t have expectations in this sport. In my opinion, you shouldn’t. Just work in the background and give everything.”
Despite being named the Women’s Champions League player of the season after helping Barcelona secure a fourth European title in six years, the 32-year-old insists she still has room to grow. “Of course, always, day after day, I want to learn things [and] just keep going, I never stop [trying to] be as good as I can,” she said. She believes the unique nature of the WSL will help her evolve as a player, specifically by testing her in new tactical environments.
“It will be different, but that’s why I’m here, because I’m looking forward to improving myself,” she explained. “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. It will take time because it’s a new beginning and a big change for me.” She highlighted the unpredictability of the league, adding, “[In the WSL] you never know what will be the result of the game; it’s a very competitive league, week after week. I imagine all the games will push you to your limits. It’s a very entertaining league.”
The midfielder’s decision was heavily influenced by the vision presented by the club. “The first conversation I had with London City was about what the club wants and how ambitious the project is. I want to be part of that journey, bring the experience I have and learn as a player and make me more complete. I made the move for that and just being in other positions that I’ve never been in. In my opinion, this league can give me that.”
To assist with her transition, Putellas will be surrounded by a familiar support system, including six Spanish teammates and head coach Eder Maestre, who previously impressed at Tenerife. When asked if she had sought advice from former Barcelona colleagues like Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze regarding the physical nature of the English game, she confirmed their warnings. “Well, some of them told me that it’s a hard league and they’re going to kick me,” she said with a smile, ready to face the physical challenges that lie ahead in her new chapter. The report also notes that “I really believe that moving to England can give me something more,” she says.
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