A Ballon d’Or winner in Bromley? Watching Alexia Putellas’ WSL debut with fans from around the world
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Alexia Putellas, two-time Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, has joined London City Lionesses in the Women’s Super League, bringing global attention to the club and its relatively unknown home in Bromley, southeast London.
- Despite minimal local awareness and advertising, Putellas’ transfer has attracted international fans who traveled from countries like Canada, Slovakia, and the US to watch her play at the 5,500-capacity Copperjax Community Stadium.
- Putellas, appointed team captain, led London City to a 2-1 season-opening victory against Manchester United, demonstrating her influence on and off the pitch with intelligent play and motivational leadership.
- The club has leveraged Putellas’ presence to boost sponsorship deals, including a historic front-of-shirt deal with Nike, and expanded audience reach through Spanish-language broadcasts via her agency’s YouTube channel ElevenTV.
- Putellas is reportedly happy with her experience at London City, embracing the challenge and supporting owner Michele Kang’s vision to elevate the club’s status in women’s football.
