London City Lionesses boss Eder Maestre believes Alexia Putellas' move to the Women's Super League will only help her chances of winning more Ballon d'Or awards.

After spending her entire career with Barcelona, Putellas joined London City as a free agent in the summer.

Putellas has four goal involvements in WSL games this term (three goals, one assist); across the last five seasons, she has only registered more goal contributions in her opening five league appearances once: six for Barca in 2024-25 (four goals, two assists).

She won the Ballon d'Or twice during her time with Barca, claiming the award in both 2021 and 2022.

And Maestre is confident Putellas can do so again in the future.

"I think it represents how powerful the competition is," Maestre said.

"It’s not just Alexia being in the WSL. It’s Alexia, through her performances in the WSL, having more opportunities to win the Ballon d’Or. 

"It makes the competition better, but also it makes Alexia better due to the challenges she will face in this tough competition.

"Alexia is a very talented and experienced player. We understand her abilities. 

"I think this competition is the most difficult and tough from a physical perspective, so I think we need to create something to empower the strengths of Alexia and create an environment where she can show her best."

Back home this Sunday. https://t.co/C2VQaX6m7J

— London City Lionesses (@LC_Lionesses) October 16, 2026

After the international break, London City are back in WSL action when they host Everton on Sunday.

London City have won each of their last three WSL matches, their longest winning run in the competition.

They could win four consecutive league games for the first time since doing so between March and April 2025 in the WSL2.