As London City Lionesses CEO Martin Semmens settles into his office, a grin spreads across his face. He just learned the club’s Instagram has racked up 34 million hits since Alexia Putellas clinched the Ballon d’Or on Monday, and it’s only Thursday. This Sunday, Manchester City will travel to Hayes Lane, where two sides featuring seven of the top‑30 Ballon d’Or contenders will meet. Semmens calls it “awesome for the WSL.”
From an outsider’s view, the story feels almost surreal. Owned by entrepreneur Michele Kang, the independent club now sits third in the top tier, just two and a half years after a eighth‑place finish in the second division. Semmens believes landing the world’s best player has reshaped the entire club’s mentality.