Spain defender Mapi Leon joins London City Lionesses on a three-year deal following her exit from Barcelona.

Spain defender Mapi Leon has joined London City Lionesses on a three-year deal following her exit from Barcelona. The 31-year-old spent nine years at Barcelona and started their 4-0 win over Lyon in this year's Women's Champions League final - their fourth European title. She won 27 trophies in total, as part of one of Europe's most successful teams, and joins former Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas in London. Leon has more than 50 caps for Spain and helped them win a second Nations League title in 2025. "I'm excited and happy to be here. It's an interesting and attractive project. I have seen what is being built and what is taking shape," said Leon. "I played in Spain for many years and I felt now was the right time to move given the project. The English league is helping women's football grow. "I wanted to test myself in another country, in another league, and playing a different type of football." Leon boycotted the Spain national team for almost three years, alongside several team-mates, because of disagreements over working conditions and a falling-out with the Spanish Football Federation, which began in 2022.