Alexia Putellas announces Barcelona departure: "A perfect story" ends 14-season era

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed her exit in an emotional video titled "A perfect story." She leaves as Barça's all-time leading scorer with 234 goals.

Foto: AFP

Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner and the most decorated player in FC Barcelona Femení history, has confirmed she will leave the club at the end of the season. The 32-year-old midfielder announced her decision in a video posted to social media titled "A perfect story," closing a 14-season chapter that began in 2012.

Her final match in a Barça shirt will be Wednesday, May 27, against Real Sociedad at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The club held a one-year extension option and was willing to keep her, but Putellas has chosen to pursue new professional challenges outside Spain, sources told ESPN.

In the emotional farewell video, Putellas traced her bond with the club back to childhood: "I remember the first time I heard their chants. I was six years old, and it was my first time at Camp Nou with my father. At that moment, I only saw men playing in the stadium. And I never imagined that one day, more than 90,000 culers would chant my name in that same place."

The Catalan star also dedicated words to her father, who died of heart problems in 2012, just before her first season with the first team: "At 18, just one month after the worst moment of my life, life put Barça in front of me again. When the opportunity came, he was no longer here... but in my worst moment, I will always say that Barça saved me. For all this, I will always be in debt to these colors."

Legendary resume

Putellas leaves Barcelona as the club's all-time leading scorer with 234 goals in 512 appearances, also ranking second in games played in club history. Her trophy case includes: 10 League titles, 11 Copas de la Reina, 6 Spanish Supercups, and 4 UEFA Women's Champions League titles.

Individually, she has won two Ballon d'Or awards (2021 and 2022), two FIFA Best awards, and two UEFA Women's Player of the Year awards. After Saturday's 4-0 Champions League final victory over Olympique Lyonnais, she was named Champions League Player of the Season for the second time in her career.

Legacy and future

Putellas was instrumental in transforming Barcelona Femení into a global powerhouse. She was part of the first Barça squad to win the Champions League in 2021 and contributed to the club's first treble. She has also been a key figure for the Spanish national team, winning the 2023 World Cup after defeating England in the final.

Putellas has drawn interest from Europe, the United States, and Mexico. London City Lionesses of the English Premier League, owned by Michele Kang, and Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs that have closely monitored her situation. Liga MX Femenil has also been mentioned as a possible destination, though unconfirmed.

"Fortunately, I was born a culer and I will die a culer. So, we will see each other again. Long live Barça forever and always," Putellas said in her message. "I've always said I wanted the final moment to be at my best, giving everything. 100% energy. That's it. It's been beautiful. A perfect story."