María León, blaugrana until 2026
María León will be a blaugrana until at least 30 June 2026. The Club and 28-year-old central defender have an agreed a contract extension for a further two years. Mapi's contract was set to end on 30 June 2024, and she will have been a blaugrana for nine seasons when the current one comes to an end.
The contract was finalised with president Joan Laporta, and the director responsible for women's football, Xavier Puig.
World class central defender
María León is one of the best central defenders in the world. Her reading of the game, her passing, and her dead ball deliveries are some of her greatest assets, along with the defensive cover and robustness she brings to the defence through her leadership.
When it comes to trophies, María León has won 16 since 2017, namely two Champions Leagues, four Liga F, four Copa de la Reina, three Spanish Super Cups and three Catalan Cups.
237 games
In her seven seasons as a blaugrana, María León has played 237 games in all competitions, placing her among the 10 players to have played most games for the Barça Women's team in history.
If we break this down by competition, Mapi has played 160 times in the Liga F, 50 in the Champions League, 17 in the Copa de la Reina, 6 in the Spanish Super Cup, and 4 in the Catalan Cup. Those 237 games have also seen her score 17 goals.
A "post-match" contract extension
The defender's contract extension was officially announced in special circumstances. Just after the goalfest against Rosengård (7-0), she walked onto the pitch microphone in hand and had a bit of fun with the thousands of culers waiting to see what she had to say.
"I wanted to tell you a couple of things in person. The injury has made me think a lot about things and that's it, I'm done. However, as Jonatan Giraldez is leaving us at the end of the season, I am thinking about becoming the next coach", she joked, much to the surprise of some of the fans in attendance.
However, she quickly put any fears to rest by explaining "I have extended my contract to 2026 and I am learning more Catalan for you culers. Happy Christmas!" in her improving Catalan. That sparked celebrations among the crowd in a typical Mapi style as one of the favourite members of the squad is going to be here for at least two more seasons.