Spain defender Mapi Leon has signed for London City Lionesses on a three-year deal after leaving Barcelona, in a move that underlines the London club’s growing ambitions in the Women’s Super League. The transfer matters because Leon arrives as one of Europe’s most decorated defenders, adding major experience and pedigree to a side aiming to push for European qualification after finishing sixth last season.

Leon, 31, spent nine years at Barcelona, won 27 trophies there and started their 4-0 Women’s Champions League final win over Lyon in 2026, which secured a fourth European title. She has more than 50 caps for Spain and returned to international football in October 2025 after a near three-year boycott over disputes with the Spanish federation, later helping Spain win the Nations League with a 3-0 final victory over Germany. London City, backed by Michele Kang, have also signed Alexia Putellas, Mary Earps, Nicole Anyomi and Janni Thomsen in an aggressive summer rebuild.