Barcelona officially confirmed that club captain Alexia Putellas will leave the team at the end of the season after her contract expires.
The departure closes one of the most successful chapters in the history of women’s football, with the Spanish midfielder spending 14 years at the Catalan club.
Putellas leaves as one of Barcelona’s greatest players
Putellas joined Barcelona from Levante in 2012 and quickly became one of the most important figures in the club’s history.
During her time with the team, she made 507 appearances and scored a record 233 goals while helping Barcelona dominate Spanish and European football.
The midfielder won 10 league titles, 10 Copa de la Reina trophies and four Champions League titles with the club.
This season alone, she helped Barcelona complete another remarkable campaign that included a dominant Champions League final victory over Lyon.
Ballon d’Or winner changed women’s football in Spain
Putellas became the first Spanish player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or in 2021 and successfully defended the award the following year.
Her influence extended beyond Barcelona as she played a major role in raising the level and visibility of women’s football across Spain.
Although a serious knee injury prevented her from competing at the 2022 European Championship, she later returned to help Spain win the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
She also collected two Nations League titles with the national team during her international career.
London City Lionesses strongly linked with move
English club London City Lionesses are among the teams heavily linked with signing Putellas this summer.
The Women’s Super League side is owned by investor Michele Kang and has openly shown ambition to attract major international stars.
Several factors could make the move attractive for Putellas, including the presence of Spanish coach Eder Maestre and former Barcelona defender Jana Fernández at the club.
Reports also suggest Barcelona teammate Mapi León could potentially join the London side as well.
Barcelona face major squad changes this summer
Putellas is not expected to be the only important player leaving Barcelona in the coming months.
Several experienced stars, including Marta Torrejón, Mapi León, Salma Paralluelo and Caroline Graham Hansen, are also approaching the end of their contracts.
Barcelona will hold a special farewell ceremony for Putellas at Camp Nou to recognise her achievements and lasting impact on the club and women’s football worldwide.
