Arabic version: بوتيياس تحتضن تحدي لندن سيتي الجديد

According to BBC News, Alexia Putellas has begun a new chapter with London City Lionesses after joining the club this summer, a move described as the biggest signing in Women’s Super League history. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner, who captained Barcelona to a fourth Women’s Champions League title in May, is preparing for London City’s season opener against Manchester United on 4 September at 19:00 BST.

Putellas, 32, left Barcelona after a 14-year career with her childhood club. She won 38 trophies there, including 10 league titles and four European cups, while also collecting Ballon d’Or awards in 2021 and 2022. With Spain, she helped win the 2023 World Cup and finish runners-up at Euro 2025.

The midfielder said she remains determined to improve and sees the London City project as a chance to discover her limits as a footballer. “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,” she said. Putellas has given up Champions League football to join the independent women’s club, but said her mentality and the stage of the project can “live together”.

London City manager Eder Maestre has described Putellas as a secondary coach on the training pitch, while the player highlighted the importance of passing and understanding game situations. She is also adapting to life away from Barcelona, including searching for an apartment, learning to drive in London and improving her English. Putellas said she has tried a full English breakfast, although baked beans were not to her taste.

Despite being known as “La Reina” in Spain and having widespread fame, Putellas said she does not enjoy being the centre of attention. Her focus is now on helping London City compete in a league she has been told is demanding and unpredictable. “Just enjoy the league because the games are crazy,” she said of the advice she received from friends in the WSL.