León Joins Lionesses
Decorated Spanish Defender Mapi León Joins London City Lionesses, Boosting European Ambitions
Key Points
León won 27 trophies during her nine years with Barcelona, including seven La Liga titles and four UEFA Women's Champions League titles.
She joined London City Lionesses on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona.
León’s Spain career included a near-three-year boycott over working conditions; she returned in October 2025 to start the Nations League final for Spain against Germany (Spain won 3-0).
Her arrival adds to a London City Lionesses squad that includes Alexia Putellas (a two-time Ballon d'Or winner) and Mary Earps, with the club backed by Michele Kang.
London City Lionesses, who finished sixth in their first WSL season, have ambitions to challenge for European qualification this season with a star-studded recruitment drive.
Spanish defender Mapi León has signed a three-year deal with London City Lionesses on a free transfer from Barcelona, the Women's Super League club announced. Soccernews reported that the 31-year-old made 309 appearances for Barcelona over nine years before making the move to England.
León collected 27 major trophies at Barcelona, including four UEFA Women's Champions League titles and seven La Liga titles. She reunites in London with former Barcelona teammates Alexia Putellas and Jana Fernández, according to Mundo Deportivo.
A Trophy-Laden Career Ends at Barcelona
León spent nine seasons at Barcelona, becoming one of the best centre-backs in the world. She won 27 trophies in total, including four Champions League titles. Headtopics noted she was a key part of a Barcelona side that dominated women's football across Europe.
She leaves as a free agent after her contract expired. Her final season included a Champions League final victory for Barcelona. The move to London City Lionesses marks the first time in her career she has played outside Spain.
León Returns to Spain Duty Before London Move
León had a complicated relationship with the Spanish national team. She joined a near-three-year boycott over working conditions for players. She was one of several players who refused to represent Spain until the situation improved.
She returned to the squad in October 2025 and started the Nations League final against Germany. Spain won the match 3-0, with León playing a key role at the back. The victory added another major international trophy to her collection, giving her over 50 caps for Spain.
Star-Studded Lionesses Eye European Qualification
London City Lionesses finished sixth in their first WSL season. Club owner Michele Kang has backed a major recruitment drive to push the team higher. The squad now includes Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, and goalkeeper Mary Earps, according to CA Headtopics.
Head coach Eder Maestre has been building a team with Champions League-level ambitions. European qualification is the stated target for the coming season. León said her goal is to "adapt quickly, bring leadership, and help the team reach the highest level as soon as possible."
León Praises the Project Behind Her Decision
León said the project at London City Lionesses convinced her to make the move. She specifically praised head coach Eder Maestre and owner Michele Kang. She said the English league promotes growth in women's football, which matched her own ambitions.
Mundo Deportivo noted that León's arrival adds another experienced, trophy-winning presence to a squad already packed with elite talent. With León, Putellas, and Earps all on the roster, the Lionesses have built one of the most decorated squads in WSL history ahead of the new season.
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