Alexia Putellas Effect: London City Lionesses See 34M Instagram Hits as WSL Hosts Manchester City

The Guardian Sport · 2026-11-01
Alexia Putellas Effect: London City Lionesses See 34M Instagram Hits as WSL Hosts Manchester City

London City Lionesses are riding a wave of unprecedented attention after signing Alexia Putellas, with chief executive Martin Semmens revealing the club's Instagram page generated 34 million hits in just three days following her Ballon d'Or win on Monday. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Women's Super League clash against Manchester City at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Semmens described the situation as 'awesome for the WSL,' noting that the match will feature seven of the top 30 players from the Ballon d'Or rankings. The independent club, owned by businesswoman Michele Kang, has risen from eighth in the second tier to third in the top flight in just two and a half years, and Semmens believes Putellas' arrival has transformed the mindset across the organisation. The surge in engagement underscores the growing commercial power of women's football and the impact of marquee signings. As the league continues to attract global stars, London City's rapid ascent signals a shifting competitive landscape in English women's football.