Alexia Putellas enters a small conference room in a Kent hotel, where 23 eager reporters await her arrival. Despite a moment of nervousness, she quickly regains her composure and engages the audience with light-hearted banter about roast dinners, even joking about her friends from other English clubs planning to “kick her.” This marks her introduction to the Women’s Super League (WSL).
In a 20-minute session, conducted entirely in English, the two-time Ballon d’Or recipient and four-time Champions League champion discusses her decision to leave the esteemed Barcelona, where she enjoyed a celebrated 14-year career, to join a club that finished significantly behind in the league standings last season.
The London City Lionesses, an independent club supported by ambitious businesswoman Michele Kang, have made notable signings this summer, including France forward Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon, Putellas’s former teammate Mapi León, and ex-England goalkeeper Mary Earps from PSG.
Putellas stands out as the marquee signing for the club and is expected to draw attention across women’s football. When asked if her winning mentality will need to adapt to a new environment, she responds, “Both can coexist—my mindset and the nature of the project. I’m fully committed and eager to contribute to the team, striving for victory alongside my teammates. We’ll see how we perform by the end of the season.”
Having been promoted to the WSL in 2025, the Lionesses finished sixth in their inaugural season but are yet to secure a major trophy. When discussing her expectations, Putellas remarks, “I don’t set expectations; I prefer our hard work to speak for itself. This league is highly competitive, and while I have a competitive spirit and aim to win every match, I believe in focusing on the effort rather than outcomes.”
At 32, Putellas continues to strive for improvement, stating, “I’m always looking to learn and grow. I want to enhance my skills, and I believe the WSL will help me achieve that.” She emphasizes her excitement about becoming a more well-rounded player through new experiences and challenges.
Putellas acknowledges the unpredictability of matches in the WSL, noting its competitiveness and potential to push her limits. She recalls her initial conversation with the London City Lionesses, which centered on the club’s ambitions and her desire to be part of that journey while contributing her experience to the team.
When probed about advice from former Barcelona teammates, including England internationals Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze, she humorously mentions they warned her about the league’s toughness. She also laughs while discussing the notorious London traffic and property costs but shows mild hesitation when recalling her first experience with an English breakfast, describing it as “quite different.”
Putellas will have support in her transition, as she joins six Spanish teammates and a knowledgeable head coach, Eder Maestre, who she praises for his impressive work at Tenerife. Maestre, originally from the Basque Country, led the team to a commendable finish during his time there.
Recognizing the tactical differences in English football, Putellas believes this transition will allow her to further diversify her skill set, stating, “I truly think moving to England will enrich my game. I’m accustomed to managing low-block defenses, but I’m eager to explore different styles of play.”
She concludes by apologizing for her English, even though it is clear that no apology is necessary. Putellas is committed to improving her language skills, and if her footballing prowess continues to develop, WSL defenders will certainly need to be on high alert.
