Alexia Putelas, London City Lions’ Spanish midfielder, signed on a free transfer.

London City Lions have signed two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putelas on a three-year deal in one of the biggest deals in women’s football history.

Regarded as one of the game’s greatest players, Spanish midfielder Putelas left Barcelona in May after 14 years, attracting interest from all the world’s biggest clubs.

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

It was announced in New York together with London-based American billionaire Michelle Kang.

“I am delighted to start this new chapter with the London City Lions,” said Putelas.

“The club’s ambition and determination to grow as an independent women’s club really resonates with me.

I look forward to making an impact on the pitch as we compete for the title.

“Off the pitch, I’m equally excited to be working with Michelle to further my passion for youth development, to elevate women’s football in England and internationally.”

Last season, Putellas led Barcelona to their fourth Champions League title while London City finished sixth in the Women’s Super League for the first time.

Convincing Putelas to join would be an impressive feat for London City, given their lofty ambitions.

BBC Sport reported Putelas last month He chose the city of London At Boston Legacy, the final two clubs are vying for her signature.

“Alexia Putelas is the pinnacle of talent, dedication and vision in women’s soccer,” Kang said.

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

“This is more than a signing, it is a bold statement about the future of the sport.”

Putelas scored 232 goals in 507 appearances for Barcelona and is second on the all-time list.

In the year She won the World Cup with Spain in 2023 and was part of the squad that lost to England in the Euro 2025 final.

Putelas was ruled out of the tournament ahead of Euro 2022 with an injury on the eve of the tournament, returning at the end of the following season.

Following her return to full fitness, Putellas produced the kind of performances that earned her back-to-back Ballon d’Ors in 2021 and 2022.

He joined on a free transfer and let his Barcelona contract expire and is believed to be London City’s highest-paid player.