LONDON (AP) – Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putelas signed a statement with England’s rapidly rising team on Wednesday, joining the London City Lionesses.
The 32-year-old’s contract with Spanish club Barcelona, where she spent 14 years and won four Women’s Champions League titles, expires at the end of June.
The owner of the lioness is Michel Kang, owner of OL Lyon — French team that Puteras and Barcelona defeated in a match champions league final May 23rd.
Puteras, who won a World Cup with Spain, said the Lionesses’ “ambition and determination to grow as an independent women’s club resonates deeply with me.”
“I’m looking forward to making an impact on the pitch as we challenge for the title,” she said. “Off the pitch, I am equally excited to be working with Michele to build on her passion for youth development to improve women’s football in England and on the world stage.”
The Lionesses were promoted to the Super League in 2025, finishing sixth in the 12-team division in their first year.
“Alexia Putelas represents the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women’s soccer,” said Kang. “Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a strong endorsement of what we are building.”
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