London City sign Ballon d'Or winner Putellas

London City Lionesses have signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a three-year deal in one of the biggest scoops in women's football history.

Spain midfielder Putellas, widely regarded as one of the game's greatest players, left Barcelona after 14 years in May and attracted interest from almost every top club in the world.

The 32-year-old won 38 trophies with Barcelona, including 10 league titles.

She was unveiled in New York City alongside London City's US billionaire owner Michele Kang.

"I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with London City Lionesses," said Putellas.

"The club's ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me.

"I look forward to making an impact on the pitch as we challenge for titles.

"Off the pitch, building on my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michele in elevating women's football in England and on the global stage."

Putellas captained Barcelona to a fourth Champions League title in her final season, while London City finished sixth in their debut Women's Super League campaign.

It is a remarkable feat for London City to have persuaded Putellas to join as they continue to show lofty ambitions.

BBC Sport reported last month that Putellas chose London City over Boston Legacy, the final two clubs vying for her signature.

"Alexia Putellas embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women's football," said Kang.

"Her decision to join our independent, women-first club is a powerful endorsement of what we are building.

"This is more than a signing. It is a bold statement about the future of the sport."

Putellas scored a club record 232 goals in 507 appearances for Barcelona, and is second on their all-time appearance list.

She won the World Cup with Spain in 2023 and was part of the side beaten by England in the Euro 2025 final.

Putellas was ruled out of Euro 2022 on the eve of the tournament with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and returned at the end of the following season.

Following her return to full fitness, Putellas showed the types of performances that earned her back-to-back Ballons d'Or in 2021 and 2022.

She joins on a free transfer, having allowed her Barcelona contract to run out, and is believed to be London City's highest-paid player.

Last summer London City were celebrating promotion from the second tier of English football, while Putellas was mourning defeat in the Euro 2025 and Champions League finals.

That in itself shows the scale of London City's growth, as well as the magnitude of the coup they have pulled off to bring Putellas to the club.

She is without a doubt one of the greatest players in women's football history and now fans in Bromley can watch her play every week.

It is an exciting addition for the WSL as a whole and will no doubt increase further sponsorship and marketing opportunities.

London City said in a statement: "Putellas' arrival is expected to drive significant growth in fan engagement and attendance, both for the club and across the WSL.

"Her presence will also strengthen the club's academy and youth development programmes through world-class mentorship and inspiration."

London City will naturally benefit the most and it is a scary prospect for their rivals as Kang continues to show ambition and provide funds.

It is not just on the pitch where her money has gone - she has invested in training facilities, wages, staffing and medical research.

There is no hiding from the fact that London City have the financial capability to disrupt the game's elite and are quickly catching up.

It will be a nudge to those at the top of the WSL to watch their backs as London City - and Putellas - hope to compete for a European spot.