Champions League winner Mapi León joins London City Lionesses, adding to exits from Barcelona

Barcelona's Kika Nazareth, left, and Mapi Leon touch the trophy after winning the Women's Champions League final soccer match between FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes, in Oslo, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

LONDON — The wave of players leaving Women’s Champions League winner Barcelona continued Monday with Mapi León joining London City Lionesses, where Alexia Putellas will again be a teammate.

London City said the 31-year-old León had signed a three-year contract as a free agent after her contract expired at Barcelona.

León won four Champions League titles in nine seasons at the heart of Barcelona’s defense, all spent with Putellas as playmaker.

Putellas joined London City last week as a statement signing for the fast-rising club owned by United States businesswoman Michele Kang.

“What can I say about Michele?” León said in a club statement. “She is an inspirational woman who wants women’s football to develop and thrive.”

A summer offseason of change at Barcelona also saw Spain right back Ona Batlle sign for Arsenal last week at the end of her contract with the European champion.

León, Putellas and Batlle all started in the Barcelona team that won 4-0 against OL Lyonnes — also owned by Kang — in the Champions League final in May.

“I played in Spain for many years and I felt now was the right time to move given the project,” León said. “The English league is helping women’s football grow.”

London City placed sixth in the English Women’s Super League last season, the club’s debut in the top tier, won by Manchester City.