Alexia Putellas: From Barcelona to London City Lionesses

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas faced the English media for the first time at a hotel in Maidstone, marking the start of a new chapter in her career. The 32-year-old Spanish midfielder, who signed for London City Lionesses this summer in what is being touted as the biggest signing in WSL history, addressed journalists with characteristic candor.

Putellas, often referred to as 'La Reina' (the queen) in Spain, is considered one of the greatest players of her generation. She captained Barcelona to a fourth Women's Champions League title in May and won the World Cup with Spain in 2023. However, her move to the independent women's-only club represents a departure from the elite European stage, bringing new challenges and uncertainties.

From Barcelona to Bromley: A Footballing Journey

Born in Mollet del Valles, a municipality in the province of Barcelona, Putellas grew up watching games at the Nou Camp. She cites former Spain and Barcelona star Andres Iniesta as an inspiration, along with Brazilian duo Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. As a child, she attended summer football camps run by Xavi and played for local side CE Sabadell. After a year at La Masia, Barcelona's famous youth academy, she moved to Espanyol and Levante before returning to Barcelona in 2012, beginning a 14-year career with her childhood club.

Reflecting on her early days, Putellas said: "In Spain, football is the typical sport. When I was young, [it was] not for women, but fortunately, nowadays it is. I just had the ball at my feet and I was playing all the time - in the park, in the streets, sometimes at home. For me, it was normal because in my house Barca games were always on the TV. I started by watching games and then suddenly, I had the ball all day."

A Trophy-Laden Career and New Ambitions

Putellas won 38 trophies with Barcelona, including 10 league titles and four European cups. She earned back-to-back Ballon d'Or crowns in 2021 and 2022 and is considered a favourite to win again this year. Internationally, she helped Spain win the 2023 World Cup and finish runners-up at Euro 2025.

Despite her achievements, Putellas insists she is not done improving. When asked if she can still get better, she laughed and said: "Yeah, of course. Always. Day after day, I want to learn things. That's the way I see this job. Just keep going, never stop and be as good as I can."

She described her move to London City Lionesses as an opportunity to "find where my limits are" as a footballer. The club, which is in its infancy and operates independently, will not offer Champions League football this season. Putellas acknowledged the shift but remains focused: "Both can live together, my mentality and the moment of the project. I'm going to bring to the project whatever it needs from me. I'm 100% committed. I'm hungry to win, I'm hungry to be better day after day and to fight with my team-mates for the victory."

Looking Ahead to the Season Opener

Putellas is enjoying pre-season but her focus is already on the first match. "It's all about Manchester United," she said, referring to London City's season opener on 4 September at 19:00 BST. Her competitive nature remains intact, as shown when she received a London Underground-themed game from BBC Sport: "Oh yes, I will play with Freya Godfrey, then I can win. I will tell her that," she joked.

Her winning mentality has been shaped by adversity, including an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that ruled her out of Euro 2022 on the eve of the tournament. "Since the ACL injury, I enjoy everything," she said, reflecting on a new perspective gained from the setback.