Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner and Barcelona captain, has spoken to English media for the first time since signing for London City Lionesses this summer, in a move being described as the biggest signing in Women's Super League history. The 32-year-old Spanish superstar, nicknamed "La Reina" (the queen), is swapping Champions League football at Barcelona for an independent, women's-only club still in its early stages, a decision she frames as a chance to test her own limits as a player rather than simply chase further silverware.

Putellas rose through Barcelona's academy system, briefly attending the famous La Masia before spells at Espanyol and Levante, and returned to her childhood club in 2012 for a 14-year spell that yielded 38 trophies, including ten league titles and four European cups. She has helped Spain win the 2023 World Cup and reach the Euro 2025 final, and remains favourite for a third Ballon d'Or this year. She is now preparing for London City's WSL season opener against Manchester United on 4 September, insisting she remains "100% committed" and "hungry" despite the step down in competition level.