London City Manager: "WSL Move Will Boost Putellas's Ballon d'Or Chances"

London City Lionesses head coach Eder Maestre believes Alexia Putellas's move to the Women's Super League (WSL) will further increase the star's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or again in the future.

Putellas, who joined London City as a free agent in the summer transfer window after spending her entire career at Barcelona, has made a highly effective start to the league. The Spanish star has four direct goal contributions in the WSL this season, with 3 goals and 1 assist. Looking at the last five seasons, Putellas has produced more goal contributions in her first five league games only once (4 goals, 2 assists for Barça in 2024-25).

Maestre, who is confident the star, a back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner in 2021 and 2022 during her Barcelona days, can repeat that feat, said:

"I think this shows how strong the league is. It is not just about Alexia playing in the WSL; it is that, thanks to her performances in the WSL, she has more opportunities to win the Ballon d'Or. This raises the quality of the league, and the challenges that come with such fierce competition make Alexia a better player too.

Alexia is an extremely talented and experienced footballer, we are aware of her abilities. I think this league is the most physically demanding competition. So we have to create an environment that brings out her strengths and allows her to show her best self on the pitch."

After the international break, London City return to league action on Sunday when they host Everton. London City, who have won their last three WSL matches, the club's longest winning run in the league, would record four consecutive league wins for the first time since March-April 2025 (in the WSL2 era) if they beat Everton.