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London City Lionesses have signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas on a three-year deal in one of the biggest scoops in women's football history.
Spain midfielder Putellas, widely regarded as one of the game's greatest players, left Barcelona after 14 years in May and attracted interest from almost every top club in the world.
The 32-year-old won 38 trophies with Barcelona, including 10 league titles.
She was signed on a free transfer and is believed to be earning a base salary of under £1million a year, although that will increase with bonuses.
She was unveiled in New York City alongside London City's US billionaire owner Michele Kang.
Putellas told BBC Sport: "Everything has a beginning and an end. The history [at Barcelona] was perfect. After 14 years, I felt it was the perfect moment to leave.
"I need to challenge myself every season. I needed something completely different to what I lived in Barcelona.
"First of all, there is no men's club behind the women's team here. It is a female owner at the club. I am in a new league - the most competitive league - that means I can push myself to my limits.
"I know a lot of people are saying it's about money, but it is not. If it was, I wouldn't be here. It is a lot of things behind it."
She captained Barcelona to a fourth Champions League title in her final season, while London City finished sixth in their debut Women's Super League campaign.
It is a remarkable feat for London City to have persuaded Putellas to join as they continue to show lofty ambitions.
BBC Sport reported last month how she chose London City over Boston Legacy, the final two clubs vying for her signature.
"It is certainly a transformational opportunity and a breakthrough for a team like London City. It means the world to us," owner Kang told BBC Sport.
"It will take the club to the next level. I think it can help take the WSL to the next level. Certainly, the arrival of Alexia and others will help increase the competitiveness.
"Fans love to see competitive games and great players and that is what I'm trying to bring not just to London City Lionesses, but to the WSL.
"That is how you move the needle for women's sport. I'm confident it will prove to be a significant event."
Putellas scored a club record 232 goals in 507 appearances for Barcelona, and is second on their all-time appearance list.
She won the World Cup with Spain in 2023 and was part of the side beaten by England in the Euro 2025 final.
Putellas was ruled out of Euro 2022 on the eve of the tournament with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and returned at the end of the following season.
Following her return to full fitness, she showed the performances that earned her back-to-back Ballon d'Or trophies in 2021 and 2022.
She joins on a free transfer, having allowed her Barcelona contract to run out, and is believed to be London City's highest-paid player.
