Barcelona have officially announced the departure of their iconic captain, Alexia Putellas, following the expiration of her contract at the end of the season. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner, aged 32, leaves after a remarkable 14-year stint at the Catalan club.
A Legacy of Success
Putellas, born in Mollet del Vallès just north of Barcelona, joined from Levante in 2012 at the age of 18. Over her tenure, she made 507 appearances and scored a record 233 goals, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer. Her trophy haul includes four Women's Champions League titles, 10 league titles, 10 Copa de la Reina trophies, and seven Copa Catalunya crowns. This season, she helped Barcelona secure a quadruple, culminating in a dominant 4-0 Champions League final victory over OL Lyon, owned by Michele Kang.
International Achievements
On the international stage, Putellas became the first Spanish player to win the women's Ballon d'Or in 2021 and retained it in 2022. Despite missing the 2022 European Championship due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, she later won two Nations League titles and lifted the 2023 World Cup with Spain, defeating England 1-0 in the final. She also finished as runner-up to England at the 2025 Euros.
Interest from London City Lionesses
London City Lionesses, the WSL club owned by billionaire Michele Kang, have been heavily linked with a move for Putellas. The club has a Spanish coach, Eder Maestre, and already features former Barcelona player Jana Fernández, with Mapi León reportedly set to join. While London City are keen, other clubs are also pursuing the midfielder.
End of an Era
Putellas's exit marks a significant shift for Barcelona, as several key players, including León, Marta Torrejón, Salma Paralluelo, and Caroline Graham Hansen, are also out of contract this summer. Only Paralluelo and Hansen are expected to renew. The club will honour Putellas with a farewell ceremony on Wednesday morning at the Camp Nou, recognising her immense contribution to Barcelona and women's football worldwide.
