Spanish defender, Mapi Leon has joined London City Lionesses on a free transfer.
Leon’s move to the Lionesses marks her first non-Spanish club of her career, having spent the last nine years at Barcelona where she scored 22 goals in 314 appearances and 25 titles across all competitions:
- 7 x Primera Division
- 7 x Copa de la Reina
- 5 x Supercopa de Espana
- 2 x Copa Catalunya
- 4 x UEFA Women’s Champions League
The move also sees Leon reunited with fellow ex Barcelona teammate, Alexia Putellas who like the 31 year-old has joined on a free transfer this month.
Following confirmation of her move, Leon spoke of her happiness at completing the move and playing under owner, Michele Kang.
“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.
“What can I say about Michele? I think it is incredible what Michele conveys. She is an inspirational woman who wants women’s football to develop and thrive. Of course, I want to be part of something like this, a club which has been created for women.”
Leon added that she is excited to embrace living in London and play under Head Coach, Eder Maestre whilst vowing to try and reach her top levels as quickly as possible and challenge for title success.
“My team-mates will help me settle into the new environment and I hope my experience and leadership can help the team this season. I am looking forward to working with head coach Eder, the staff and my new team-mates.
“Everyone has told me London is a cool city and that I’m going to love it. I’ll take it step-by-step. My aim is to adapt as quickly as possible to the team and the league and from there be able to give my best contribution as a player and as a person.
“My intention here is to reach the highest level as quickly as possible. Everything in a project goes in stages and requires hard work.
“I want to keep winning and still have the determination to be able to achieve this. Hopefully we can do this with London City Lionesses.”
Leon began her career at Zaragoza CFF with seven goals in 71 senior appearances before she spent 2013-14 with Espanyol which saw her deliver four goals in 30 appearances, plus 2013 Copa Catalunya title.
She then moved to Atletico Madrid in 2014 where she produced four goals in 96 appearances prior to her switch to Barcelona in 2017, having won 2016-17 Primera Division and 2016 Copa de la Reina titles with Atletico.
Leon represents Spain at senior level with one goal in 61 caps, and was part of their 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League title-winning squad.
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