Spain defender Mapi Leon joins London City Lionesses on three-year

Spain defender Mapi Leon has joined London City Lionesses on a three-year deal following her departure from Barcelona, the club announced. The 31-year-old centre-back spent nine years at Barcelona, starting in their 4-0 victory over Lyon in the 2025 Women's Champions League final, which secured the club's fourth European title. During her tenure, Leon won 27 trophies as part of one of Europe's most successful teams.

Move to London reunites Leon with former Barcelona teammates

Leon joins former Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas at London City Lionesses, who moved to the club earlier this year. The defender has more than 50 caps for Spain and helped the national team win a second Nations League title in 2025.

"I'm excited and happy to be here. It's an interesting and attractive project. I have seen what is being built and what is taking shape," Leon said. "I played in Spain for many years and I felt now was the right time to move given the project. The English league is helping women's football grow. I wanted to test myself in another country, in another league, and playing a different type of football."

Leon's national team boycott and return

Leon boycotted the Spain national team for almost three years, alongside several teammates, due to disagreements over working conditions and a falling-out with the Spanish Football Federation that began in 2022. She withdrew from selection for the 2023 Women's World Cup, which Spain went on to win by beating England in the final, and was absent from their Euro 2025 final defeat. The centre-back returned to the national team in October 2025 and started the Nations League final a month later, helping Spain beat Germany 3-0.

London City Lionesses' ambitious project

London City Lionesses, backed by American billionaire Michele Kang, finished sixth in their first season in the Women's Super League. The club has ambitions of challenging for European qualification this season and has had a remarkable transfer window. In addition to Putellas and Leon, the club has signed former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, Germany forward Nicole Anyomi, and Denmark defender Janni Thomsen.

"[Kang] is an inspirational woman who wants women's football to develop and thrive. Of course, I want to be part of something like this, a club which has been created for women," Leon added. "My team-mates will help me settle into the new environment and I hope my experience and leadership can help the team this season. I want to keep winning and still have the determination to be able to achieve this. Hopefully we can do this with London City Lionesses."