The end of an era. Alexia Putellas, two time Ballon d’Or winner, captain, and the greatest icon of FC Barcelona Femení, officially said goodbye yesterday to the club where she spent 14 years. In an emotional final match against Real Sociedad, the Blaugrana won 2–1, and Putellas herself provided an assist for one of the goals. After the match at Estadi Johan Cruyff, and later during a ceremonial event at Spotify Camp Nou, thousands of fans and the entire football community bid farewell to the legend.
“I gave everything to these colors. It was a perfect story,” the emotional 32 year old said during the ceremony, standing in front of a display of the 38 trophies she won with the Blaugrana. Her words brought to a close one of the most moving chapters in the history of women’s football.
The Last Dance at Johan Cruyff
Yesterday evening was a mixture of joy and sadness. Barcelona, fresh from their UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph (4–0 against Lyon a few days earlier), closed out the league season with a victory. The goals for the hosts were scored by Clàudia Pina and Aitana Bonmatí, while the consolation goal for Real Sociedad came from Emma Ramírez. The key moment? Alexia Putellas’ assist for the goal that made it 2–1. Moments later, the entire Johan Cruyff Stadium rose to its feet, chanting her name for several minutes.
After the final whistle, the real farewell celebration began. Teammates including Aitana Bonmatí, Mapi León, Fridolina Rolfö and others lifted Alexia onto their shoulders. Banners, flares, and a massive supporters’ display appeared on the pitch. Later, the celebration moved to Camp Nou, where the club prepared a special ceremony featuring a trophy exhibition, a career retrospective film, and speeches.
The Journey of a Legend
Alexia Putellas was born on February 4, 1994, in Mollet del Vallès. She joined Barcelona’s academy as a child and made her first team debut in 2012. Over 14 seasons, she played more than 510 matches, scored 232 goals, and recorded more than 110 assists. She leaves as the second highest scorer in the club’s history, behind only Lionel Messi.
Her trophies speak for themselves:
- 10 Spanish league titles,
- 4 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles (including the most recent one in 2026),
- 9 Queen’s Cups,
- 4 Spanish Super Cups.
It was Putellas who, as captain, led Barcelona to its first ever UWCL title in 2021. She won the Ballon d’Or twice, and in 2023 she was a key figure for Spain’s national team during their triumphant World Cup campaign. Despite suffering a serious ACL injury in 2022, she returned stronger and continued to dictate the tempo of the game.
A Legacy Greater Than Numbers
Putellas was not just a player. She was the face of the women’s football revolution in Spain. Just a decade ago, few believed that Barça Femení could become a dominant force in Europe. She, together with the generation of Bonmatí, Hermoso, and León, made it happen. She became a role model for millions of girls not only because of her skills, but also because of her class, commitment, and the way she spoke about equality in sport.
“Alexia is not just a player. She is the history of world football,” wrote Aitana Bonmatí after the match. Similar words came from Xavi Hernández, former teammates, and even rivals.
Putellas leaves as a free agent. The leading candidate to sign her remains London City Lionesses, the ambitious newly promoted WSL side backed by significant financial resources. There has also been speculation about Paris Saint-Germain Féminine as well as offers from the NWSL. At 32 years old, Alexia remains at the highest level, and many experts believe that in a new environment she could challenge for a third Ballon d’Or.
Her decision not to renew her contract with Barcelona was motivated by a desire to make room for the younger generation, but also by the pursuit of new challenges.
“I will always be a Culer,” she assured everyone yesterday, time and time again.
Yesterday, Barcelona did not just win a match. The club said goodbye to one of its greatest legends. Alexia Putellas is leaving, but her legacy will remain at Camp Nou forever.