In a surprising turn of events, the small town of Bromley, located just outside of London, became the center of attention as two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas made her debut in the Women’s Super League (WSL) with the London City Lionesses. Despite the bustling commuters at Bromley South train station being unaware of the global football star in their midst, the excitement surrounding her arrival was palpable among dedicated fans who traveled from far and wide to witness this historic moment.
Putellas, who joined London City after a successful tenure with FC Barcelona, played her first match for the Lionesses on the evening of Friday, September 1, 2026, against Manchester United at the Copperjax Community Stadium. The stadium, which has a capacity of 5,500, was sold out, yet the local community seemed largely unaware of the significance of the event. “I can’t believe she’s playing here!” exclaimed a local resident, expressing disbelief that such a renowned player would grace their town.
As fans descended upon Bromley, many were eager to show their support for Putellas. Nisha Takhar, who flew in from Vancouver, Canada, purchased a Spain shirt emblazoned with “Alexia” just hours after landing. “I’m a big fan, I have been for a long time and I never got to see her play at Barcelona,” she shared, highlighting the dedication of supporters who traveled internationally to see their idol in action. Others, like Monika Zimmermanova from Slovakia and Agnes Kyjovska from the Czech Republic, joined the throngs of enthusiastic fans, all donning Putellas’ number 11 jersey.
Putellas’ presence has not only drawn international fans but has also sparked interest in the local football scene. With the addition of Putellas and fellow Spanish international Mapi Leon to the squad, the London City Lionesses are hoping to build a stronger local fanbase. The club's management is optimistic that the star power of Putellas will help elevate the profile of women’s football in the area.
The WSL has also recognized the potential of Putellas’ influence. Her agency, Team YouFirst, has partnered with the league to broadcast one WSL match per week in Spain on her new YouTube channel, ElevenTV. This initiative aims to reach a broader audience, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries, and showcases the growing global interest in women’s football.
In her debut match, Putellas demonstrated her leadership qualities, having been elected captain by her teammates. Her pre-match speech emphasized the importance of teamwork and winning, setting a positive tone for the game. London City secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester United, with Putellas playing a pivotal role in controlling the game’s tempo and directing her teammates on the pitch. “I’m the player who thinks the ball always moves faster than the legs,” she remarked after the match, reflecting her tactical awareness and vision.
The match attracted a record home attendance of 5,204, with fans from both sides creating an electric atmosphere. While some Manchester United supporters chanted, “You’ve only come to see United,” a segment of the crowd echoed, “You’ve only come to see Putellas,” underscoring her star power. Her impact was further highlighted by head coach Eder Maestre, who praised her ability to elevate the standards of the team.
Putellas’ transition from Barcelona to Bromley marks a significant chapter in her career, one that promises to enhance the visibility of women’s football in the UK. With her family in attendance and the backing of influential figures from her past, including former Barcelona women’s head of football Markel Zubizarreta, Putellas is poised to make a lasting impression in the WSL. As she embarks on this new journey, her ambition remains clear: to contribute to the growth of London City Lionesses and inspire future generations of female footballers.
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