A Journey Rooted in Family

As a child, Alexia didn’t dream about becoming a footballer. Those were dreams reserved for boys. That didn’t stop her from playing football with “fearless freedom” in the sun-drenched fields of Mollet del Valles. Born on February 4th, 1994, Alexia’s journey commenced against the unassuming backdrop of the Barcelona province with her devoted parents, James Putellas Rota and Elisabet “Eli” Segura Sabaté, and her spirited younger sister, Alba.

The Putellas family has always been die-hard Culers, even before Alexia donned the iconic blue and red kit. Together with her father, Alexia would embark on pilgrimages to the hallowed grounds of Camp Nou, joining in the fiery chants of the faithful.

“Blaugrana al vent

un crib valent

tenim un nom el sap tothom:

Barça, Barça, Barça!”

Which translates to:

“Blue and claret blowing in the wind

One valiant cry

We’ve got a name that everyone knows:

Barça, Barça, Barça!”

When making it to the stadium wasn’t possible, they gathered at a local bar, La Bolera, where Alexia’s father would post her up on a pool table so his football-loving daughter had a clear view of the television. It was this familial passion that first introduced Alexia to the world of football, sparking a flame that burns to this day.

The late 1990’s and early 2000’s weren’t flooded with prominent Spanish female footballers to emulate. Alexia sought inspiration from the mesmerizing performances of Andres Iniesta, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, often reenacting the plays she saw at Camp Nou with her dad. She has stated in the past that she was never without a football, it was omnipresent, from the school playgrounds to dinner tables. She recalls a childhood filled with the bliss of playing football all day. Her talents weren’t confined to the lush green of the football field. The Putellas family was also heavily into basketball, Alexia danced on hardwood courts, dribbling with hands instead of feet.

However, it was on the pitch that her true fervor was awakened. From schoolyard kickabouts to Xavi-led summer camps, she honed her skills with steadfast determination. That tenacity led her to the boy’s team of CF Mollet UE, where she played briefly before finding her way to Sabadell’s girl squad at the age of seven. Described as a calm and mature child, her leadership qualities were evident early on. By the age of 12, Alexia was winning titles with Espanyol, a dominant force in Spanish women’s football. At 17, with the designation as one of Spain’s premier youth players, she played for Levante, a club that had a more professional environment for women’s football at a time when women’s football wasn’t widely respected.

Despite the distance and sacrifices required, Alexia’s family made every effort to be there for her, often setting out on three-hour trips to watch her play for Levante. Her father was always by her side, nurturing her love for the game and instilling in her the values of hard work and dedication. While her mother and sister may not have been avid football fans initially, they have immersed themselves fully in Alexia’s passion, supporting her every step of the way. Alba, her sister, fondly recalls, what once seemed like a mere game of chasing a ball became a source of pride, she now proudly calls herself Alexia’s number-one fan. 

While at Levante, Alexia faced a deeply challenging period as her father’s health deteriorated. Her days were devoted to training, while her nights were spent at the hospital, with her mother by his side. Sadly, he passed in May 2012. This loss marked a profound turning point in Alexia’s life and career. Eli, her mother, observed that Alexia’s focus became singularly fixed on football, using it as both her armor and escape, dedicating herself to relentless training. Alexia has since reflected that her commitment to the sport transformed after his passing. As she tearfully expressed in her Ballon d’Or speech, her father’s memory serves as a driving force behind her pursuit for perfection on the pitch. 

His absence looms large, especially during significant milestones like Alexia’s signing with Barcelona’s first team—a dream he had cherished but never witnessed. Yet, even in his absence, his legacy endures, serving as a reminder that life goes on and that every achievement pays tribute to his memory. Though Alexia rarely speaks publicly about her father, the impact of his passing resonates through every facet of her life. In the little she does share about her loss, Alexia offers solace and strength to those grappling with similar grief, demonstrating that they too can honor the memory of a loved one and achieve extraordinary things.