Why did Alexia Putellas leave Barcelona? | OneFootball

London City Lionesses have confirmed the signing of two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Alexia Putellas – but why did the 32-year-old choose to call time on her Barcelona career?

Alexia Putellas’ departure was confirmed via social media, with the 32-year-old releasing an emotional monologue in which she explained her reasons for leaving the Catalan club after 14 years.

The midfielder commented that “this shirt can’t be defended in half measures, and I recognise that I’ve drained myself.”

As SPORT’s Maria Tikas confirmed, it was Putellas’ own decision to call time on her Barça career. Her contract included a clause that would have allowed either party to extend the deal by a year – although after Putellas turned down a mammoth contract with Paris Saint-Germain last summer, it was agreed that Barcelona would not stand in the way if she felt the end of the 2025/26 season was the right time.

Tikas added that Putellas was keen to ensure she “does not become an obstacle” that inhibits the development of youngsters emerging from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.

In her farewell video, the two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner said: “The future of the team belongs to you, and it will be your turn to make history at the best club in the world.”

18-year-old Clara Serrajordi already looks to be comfortable at the heart of the Barça midfield, and was afforded a start in the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League final by head coach Pere Romeu – so it’s safe to say that the shirt is in safe hands.

In a press release issued by London City Lionesses, Putellas’ arrival in Bromley is described as “the next chapter of a remarkable career with the ambition to compete for the biggest titles at the highest level while helping to shape the future of the women’s game and the next generation”.

Putellas herself explained that “the club’s ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me.

“I look forward to making an impact on the pitch as we challenge for titles. Off the pitch, building on my passion for youth development, I am equally excited to work with Michele in elevating women’s football in England and on the global stage.”

There is also a feeling that Putellas achieved everything there was to achieve in Barcelona.

She has lifted every trophy available to her at club level, scored the first-ever Barça Femení goal at a sold-out Spotify Camp Nou, and remained influential until the very end, teeing up Aitana Bonmatí in her final Liga F match.

With the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup now on the horizon, and Spain’s participation already confirmed after topping a tricky qualification group that also included European champions England, Putellas is understood to have wanted a challenge that would push her outside of her comfort zone.